Who gave the radio address announcing Japan's surrender to its people in 1945?

Emperor Hirohito gave the radio address announcing Japan's surrender to its people in 1945.

His recorded speech was broadcast at noon Japan Standard Time on August 15, 1945. It was the first time many Japanese people had heard the emperor's voice. The broadcast read the Imperial Rescript on the Termination of the War and explained that Japan had accepted the Allied terms.

Hirohito referred to the use of a new and extremely destructive bomb and the worsening military situation. The speech used formal, classical language and was difficult for many listeners to understand clearly. News of the surrender had already been transmitted to Allied governments, but the broadcast made the decision public throughout Japan.

The announcement is often called Japan's surrender speech, but it was not the formal legal surrender. That occurred on September 2, when Japanese officials signed the Instrument of Surrender aboard USS Missouri. The distinction explains why August 15 and September 2 are both associated with V-J Day.