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(Wednesday, August 15, 1945, 12:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time; 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.

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

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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.”