Which Japanese leader announced the country's surrender in a radio address on August 15, 1945?

Emperor Hirohito announced Japan's surrender in a radio address on August 15, 1945.

His recorded speech was known as the Imperial Rescript on the Termination of the War. Broadcast at noon in Japan, it was the first time most Japanese civilians had heard the emperor's voice. The speech used formal classical Japanese, making it difficult for many listeners to understand immediately, but its meaning was unmistakable.

Hirohito referred publicly to the use of a new and devastating bomb and the danger of continued fighting. In a separate message to Japan's armed forces, he emphasized that the Soviet Union had entered the war and that continuing the conflict threatened the foundations of the empire.

The broadcast did not itself constitute the formal legal surrender. Japanese representatives signed the surrender instrument aboard USS Missouri on September 2. August 15 is nevertheless commemorated in Japan as the day the war ended, while several Allied countries observe Victory over Japan Day on August 14 or 15, depending on local time.