Video: 'The World At War 1973(World War II Documentary)Episode 24-The Bomb(February–September 1945)' (Aug. 14, 1945, at 48:38)

(Tuesday, August 14, 1945; during World War II) — Japanese Emperor Hirohito met with his most senior Army and Navy officers again today and told them they must accept the Allied ultimatum to surrender.

“I have listened carefully to each of the arguments presented in opposition to the view that Japan should accept the Allied reply as it stands and without further clarification or modification, but my own thoughts have not undergone any change. … In order that the people may know my decision, I request you to prepare at once an imperial rescript so that I may broadcast to the nation. Finally, I call upon each and every one of you to exert himself to the utmost so that we may meet the trying days which lie ahead.” – Japanese Emperor Hirohito, Aug. 14, 1945 at a conference with the cabinet and other councilors.

At around 11 p.m., the emperor recorded a message in which he personally accepted the Allied surrender terms, to be broadcast over Japanese radio the following day.