Video: 'Emperor Hirohito Rescript at WWII end, English Translation'

(Wednesday, August 15, 1945, 12:00 p.m. JST; during World War II) — Japanese Emperor Hirohito’s recorded radio address that his country had accepted terms of surrender for ending World War II was broadcast today all over Japan.

For most of his subjects, it was the first time that they had ever heard his voice.

The emperor explained that “the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan’s advantage,” and that “the enemy has begun to employ a new and most cruel bomb.”

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