The Kyūjō incident attempted to stop Emperor Hirohito’s surrender broadcast in August 1945.
The attempted coup began during the night of August 14–15, 1945, after Hirohito had recorded the Imperial Rescript on the Termination of the War. Army officers opposed to surrender sought to seize the Imperial Palace, prevent the recording from reaching broadcasters, and persuade senior leaders to continue the war.
The plotters occupied parts of the palace grounds and searched for the recording. They failed to find it because palace officials concealed it. The coup also lacked decisive support from senior army commanders, and the rebels eventually abandoned their effort. The recording was broadcast at noon on August 15, becoming the first time most Japanese civilians had heard the emperor’s voice.
The incident is also called the Imperial Palace incident. It is distinct from earlier Japanese military uprisings, including the February 26 Incident of 1936. The failed coup cleared the way for the surrender announcement, although fighting and administrative surrender procedures continued afterward.