This week in the War, 13–19 August 1945: Hirohito broadcasts to the nation

The Japanese Imperial Family, 7 December 1941 [Public domain]

This week in the war, on 15 August 1945, Emperor Hirohito broadcast on the radio to the Japanese nation. His broadcast announced Japan’s acceptance of unconditional surrender to the Allies.

It was the first time that the Japanese People had heard the voice of their Emperor.

Late on the night before the broadcast, over a thousand troops attacked the Imperial Palace, hoping to prevent the transmission from taking place. They were eventually driven off and the recording of the Emperor’s speech was transmitted as intended.
