The Imperial Rescript

15 August 1945

Emperor Hirohito before the war

August 1945. The cities of Japan lay in ruins. Her armed forces had been forced back into tiny defensive enclaves while the victorious Allies ruled the Pacific. Reeling from the two Atomic bombs, Emperor Hirohito made a courageous decision to end the war, even though his military leaders intended to fight to the bitter end and were against any surrender. When the Emperor's decision to surrender became known, and his speech had been recorded, young hotheads of the Konoe Guards ransacked the Imperial Household and offices trying to intercept the tape to prevent its broadcast. They were in vain. It had been hidden in a pile of the chambermaid's lingerie and safely delivered.

A devastated Tokyo after the fire bombings

For most of those who heard the speech as it was broadcast on that fateful day of 15 August, 1945, it was the first time they had ever heard their Emperor's voice. Unlike the western nations, the words of the Japanese leader had been conveyed to the public by the Prime Minister or Court Chamberlain, or in written form appearing in newspapers and public gazette. Very few of those who listened intently to the Voice coming over the radio waves could make out what exactly the Emperor was saying, owing to the difficult court language and the Emperor's unnatural delivery of speech. On that day the static in the airwaves was heavy, making it even harder to understand. The public did realize, however, that the Emperor had decided to accept defeat and end the war that day, period.

The end in all its horror, the mushroom cloud over Nagasaki, 9 August 1945

The original text as translated below is dated 14 August 1945, contains Hirohito's signature and seal, and is endorsed by the signatures of the Prime Minister and all cabinet members, and was recorded on 14 August. The "Joint Declaration" referred to is the Potsdam Declaration.

To Our good and loyal subjects :

After pondering deeply the general trend of the world and the actual conditions obtaining in Our Empire today, We have decided to effect a settlement of the present situation by resorting to an extrordinary measure.

We have ordered Our Government to communicate to the Governments of the United States, Great Britain, China and the Soviet Union that Our Empire accepts the provisions of their Joint Declaration.

To strive for the common prosperity and happiness of all nations as well as the security and well being of Our subjects is the solemn obligation which has been handed down by Our Imperial Ancestors, and which We lay close to heart. Indeed, We declared war on America and Britain out of Our sincere desire to ensure Japan's self preservation and the stabilization of East Asia, it being far from Our thought either to infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations or to embark upon territorial aggrandizement. But the best that has been done by every one - the gallant fighting of the military and naval forces, the diligence and assiduity of Our servants of the State and the devoted service of Our one hundred million people, the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan's advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest. Moreover, the enemy has begun to employ a new and most cruel bomb, the power of which to do damage is indeed incalcuable, taking the toll of many innocent lives. Should we continue to fight, it would not only result in an ultimate collapse and obliteration of this Japanese nation, but also it would lead to the total extinction of human civilization. Such being the case, how are We to save the millions of Our subjects; or to atone Ourselves before the hallowed spirits of Our Imperial Ancestors? This is the reason why We have ordered the acceptance of the provisions of the Joint Declaration of the Powers.

We cannot but express the deepest sense of regret to Our Allied nations of East Asia, who have consistently cooperated with the Empire towards the emancipation of East Asia. The thought of those officers and men as well as others who have fallen in the fields of battle, those who died at their posts of duty, or those who met with untimely death and all their bereaved families, pains Our heart, sight and way. The welfare of the wounded and the war-sufferers, and of those who have lost their home and livelihood, are the objects of Our profound solicitude. The hardships and sufferings to which Our nation is to be subjected hereafter will be certainly great. We are keenly aware of the inmost feelings of all ye, Our subjects. However, it is according to the dictate of time and state that We have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering that which is insufferable.

Having been able to safeguard and maintain the structure of the Imperial State,We are always with ye, Our good and loyal subjects, relying upon your sincerity and integrity. Beware most strictly of any outburts of action which may engender needless complications, or any fraternal contention and strife which may create confusion, lead ye astray and cause ye to lose the confidence of the world. Let the entire nation continue as one family from generation to generation, ever firm in its faith of the imperishableness of its divine land and mindful of its heavy burden of responsibilities, and the long road before it. Unite your total strength to be devoted to the constuction for the future. Cultivate the ways of rectitude; foster nobility of spirit; and work with resciation so as ye may enhance the innate glory of the Imperial State and keep pace with the progress of the world.