Which Japanese emperor announced the country’s surrender in a radio address in August 1945?

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

The broadcast, known as the Gyokuon-hōsō or “Jewel Voice Broadcast,” was transmitted on 15 August 1945. It was the first time most Japanese people had heard the emperor’s voice. Hirohito explained that Japan had accepted the terms of the Potsdam Declaration and ordered the nation to endure the unendurable.

The recording had been made the previous day and was nearly disrupted by members of the Japanese military who opposed surrender. The attempted coup, known as the Kyūjō incident, failed, allowing the recording to be broadcast nationwide.

Japan’s announcement did not immediately replace the formal surrender documents. Fighting and isolated resistance continued in some locations, and the legal ceremony took place on 2 September aboard USS Missouri. Hirohito remained emperor after the war, but the Allied occupation reduced the monarchy’s political role and transformed Japan’s constitutional system.