Which Japanese emperor announced the surrender to the Japanese public by radio in 1945?

Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s surrender to the Japanese public by radio in 1945.

His recorded message was broadcast at noon on August 15, 1945. It communicated that Japan had accepted the Allied declaration and would end the war. Hirohito did not use the plain modern phrase “Japan surrenders” in the speech; instead, he used formal language announcing acceptance of the Allied terms and called on the Japanese people to endure the situation.

The broadcast was historically unusual because most Japanese citizens had never heard their emperor’s voice. The speech was delivered in highly formal classical Japanese, and poor audio quality made it difficult for many listeners to understand. A radio announcer clarified afterward that the emperor’s message meant Japan was surrendering.

Hirohito remained emperor after the war. Under the Allied occupation, Japan’s political system was transformed, and his role became that of a constitutional monarch. He was not prosecuted at the Tokyo war crimes tribunal, while many military and political leaders were tried.