Emperor Hirohito formally announced Japan’s acceptance of the Allied surrender terms in a radio address on August 15, 1945.
Hirohito, posthumously known by his reign name Emperor Shōwa, recorded the address after Japan’s leadership decided to accept the Potsdam Declaration. The recording was broadcast to the Japanese public at noon on August 15. It became known as Gyokuon-hōsō, or the “Jewel Voice Broadcast.”
The speech used highly formal language and did not plainly state in everyday Japanese that Japan had surrendered. Hirohito referred to the military situation, the use of a new and cruel bomb, and Japan’s decision to accept the Allied proclamation. Many listeners heard the emperor’s voice for the first time.
Hirohito’s announcement was not itself the signed surrender instrument. The formal document was signed on September 2 by Japanese representatives, including Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu and General Yoshijirō Umezu. Hirohito remained emperor during the Allied occupation and continued on the throne until his death in 1989.