As As the war against Japan entered its fourth year in January 1945, U.S. naval forces began to close in on Japan's outer island defenses. In April a huge armada converged on Japanese territory--the island of Okinawa--some 350 miles south-east of Japan. After nearly three months of bitter fighting in which over 12,000 Americans and over 100,000 Japanese defenders died, the island fell to American forces who now had secured a jumping-off point for the invasion of the home islands. Conscious also of the fanatical resistance and capacity to inflict high casualties that had been displayed by small numbers of Japanese soldiers in recent battles on Guam and Saipan, American military leaders could only expect much higher bloodletting when the U.S. forces would come to face the last-ditch stand of the Imperial Japanese army on the Japanese mainland. De spite heavy destruction of Japanese cities by long-range bombers and the looming defeat that now faced the country, it seemed unlikely that there would be a voluntary surrender in view of the "unconditional surrender" demands of the Allied forces and the apprehensions of the military regarding the person of the emperor. So both sides were prepared for the worse.

What came to the rescue of the U.S. forces, of course, was the atomic bomb, the successful test of which had taken place on July 16, 1945. Exactly three weeks later, and without prior warning other than the promise of "prompt and utter destruction" should the surrender terms be refused, a B-29 bomber dropped the bomb that instantly incinerated s ome 100,000 people in the city of Hiroshima and left death and destruction in its wake. Two days later a similar fate befell the city of Nagasaki. Though these terrible events failed to induce the military leaders to concede defeat, their resistance was o vercome by the emperor who pushed for acceptance of the surrender terms, since amended to leave some hope for retention of the imperial system in a democratic Japan. The decision to surrender was broadcast to the nation by the emperor--an unprecedented ev ent in itself--on August 15 while further rescripts were issued to the armed forces ordering them to lay down their arms. The formal surrender took place on Sep. 2 as Japan came under the occupation of American forces and the administrative fiat of Genera l MacArthur.

To our good and loyal subjects:

After pondering deeply the general trends 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 extraordinary 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 that has been handed down by our Imperial Ancestors, and we lay it close to the 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 now the war has lasted for nearly four years. Despite the best that has been done by everyone-- 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 100 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, incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives. Should we continue to fight, it would not only result in an ultimate collapse and obliteration of the 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 toward 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, and those who met with death and all their bereaved families, pains our heart night and day.

The welfare of the wounded and the war sufferers, and of those who have lost their homes and livelihood is the object of our profound solicitude. The hardships and suffering to which our nation is to be subjected hereafter will be certainly great.

We are keenly aware of the inmost feelings of all you, our subjects. However, it is according to the dictates of time and fate that we have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is insufferable. Having been able to save and maintain the structure of the Imperial State, we are always with you, our good and loyal subjects, relying upon your sincerity and integrity.

Beware most strictly of any outbursts of emotion that may engender needless complications, and of any fraternal contention and strife that may create confusion, lead you astray and cause you to lose the confidence of the world.

Let the entire nation continue as one family from generation to generation, ever firm in its faith in 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 construction for the future. Cultivate the ways of rectitude, nobility of spirit, and work with resolution so that you may enhance the innate glory of the Imperial State and keep pace with the progress of the world.

All you, our subjects, we command you to act in accordance with our wishes.

Hirohito

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