Which Japanese emperor announced Japan’s surrender in a radio broadcast in August 1945?

Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s surrender in a radio broadcast in August 1945.

The address is commonly called the Gyokuon-hōsō, or “Jewel Voice Broadcast.” Hirohito recorded it at the Imperial Palace on August 14, and the recording was broadcast by NHK at noon on August 15. It announced that Japan had accepted the Allied terms, though it did not use a simple conversational phrase such as “Japan surrenders.”

The broadcast was historically unusual because it was the first known occasion on which Japan’s emperor spoke directly to the general public. Hirohito used formal classical Japanese, and the poor sound quality made the message difficult for some listeners to understand. The address referred to the destructive power of the new atomic bombs and the changing military situation.

The recording nearly disappeared during a coup attempt by military officers who opposed surrender. Palace employees hid the discs, allowing them to reach the broadcasting station safely. Hirohito remained emperor after the war, though the Allied occupation fundamentally changed the political role of the monarchy.