Who became Japan’s prime minister on August 17, 1945, two days after the surrender broadcast?

Prince Higashikuni became Japan’s prime minister on August 17, 1945, two days after the surrender broadcast.

Higashikuni Naruhiko was a member of the Japanese imperial family and a general in the Imperial Japanese Army. Emperor Hirohito appointed him to replace Kantarō Suzuki after the public announcement of surrender on August 15.

His cabinet was formed during a tense transition. Hardline military officers had attempted to prevent the surrender, and the new government faced the challenge of ending the war, disarming Japanese forces, and beginning cooperation with the Allied occupation authorities.

Higashikuni’s government was short-lived. He served as prime minister from August 17 to October 9, 1945, making his cabinet the first Japanese government under the Allied occupation. He was succeeded by Shigeru Yoshida after resigning over disagreement with occupation reforms, including the abolition of the Peace Preservation Law.