Video: 'The World at War: The Bomb: February-September 1945 (24 of 26)' (Aug. 12, 1945, at 47:15)

(Sunday, August 12, 1945; during World War II) — The United States indicated today that it would accept the Japanese surrender, making clear in its statement that the emperor could remain in a purely ceremonial capacity only.

Debate raged within the Japanese government over whether to accept the American terms or fight on.