Who became Japan’s prime minister immediately after Emperor Hirohito accepted surrender terms in August 1945?

Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni became Japan’s prime minister immediately after Emperor Hirohito accepted surrender terms in August 1945.

Higashikuni took office on 17 August 1945, replacing Admiral Kantarō Suzuki. His appointment came days after Hirohito’s surrender broadcast and reflected the need to manage the end of hostilities, demobilize Japan’s armed forces, and reassure the public about the imperial institution.

Higashikuni was a member of the imperial family and a general in the Imperial Japanese Army. His government supervised the first stage of Japan’s transition from wartime rule to Allied occupation. He also presided over events connected with the formal surrender ceremony on 2 September.

His cabinet lasted only until 9 October 1945. Higashikuni resigned after opposing an order from the Allied occupation authorities to abolish the Peace Preservation Law. He remains notable as the only member of Japan’s imperial family to serve as prime minister and as the country’s shortest-serving prime minister.