



Japan's Surrender

Contributor: C. Peter Chen

ww2dbaseWith the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki destroyed by atomic weapons, the will of the Japanese leadership was tested. Then it came the news that the Soviet Union declared war on Japan, with troops crossing into northeastern China an hour later. These three reasons led to Emperor Showa's decision to break the deadlock at his council which debated fruitlessly whether or not to respond to the Allies' call for unconditional surrender. The Emperor said at the Imperial conference:

Continuation of the war does not promise successful conclusion no matter from what angle the situation is considered. Therefore I have decided, without suggestions from anyone, to order the conclusion of the war, as I cannot endure the thought of having to kill tens, evens hundreds of thousands of my subjects, and moreover to have to be called the disturber of world peace. Moreover, it is extremely difficult for me to have to turn over to the Allied authorities officers and men upon whom I have depended all this time as though they were part of my own body. But I have decided to endure what is unendurable and to accept the terms of the Potsdam Declaration.

ww2dbaseThe council obeyed the Emperor's edict, and started the negotiation process with the Allies through the neutral Switzerland, making only one demand that Emperor Showa would not be removed from power.

ww2dbaseSurprising most of Japan, Emperor Showa of Japan announced his intention to surrender to the Allies unconditionally over public radio on 15 Aug 1945. It was the first time Japanese commoners heard an Emperor's voice, and most of them did not understand his Imperial court dialect, adding to his mysteriousness. His message, however defeated, did not once include the word "defeat", perhaps reflecting his refusal to face the reality that Japan had lost the war. His radio address was translated as follows:

ww2dbaseTo our good and loyal subjects: ww2dbaseAfter 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. ww2dbaseWe 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. ww2dbaseTo 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. ww2dbaseIndeed, 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. ww2dbaseBut 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. ww2dbaseMoreover, 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. ww2dbaseSuch 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. ww2dbaseWe 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. ww2dbaseThe 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. ww2dbaseThe 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. ww2dbaseWe 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. ww2dbaseBeware 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. ww2dbaseLet 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. ww2dbaseAll you, our subjects, we command you to act in accordance with our wishes.

ww2dbaseDespite the Emperor's urging, a small group refused to admit defeat. A group of military servicemen, many of them special attack pilots, mutinied. Believing that the Emperor had been abducted by defeatists, they attacked the Imperial Palace, killing the general of the Imperial Guard Division before the small rebellion was subdued. This small rebellion made the Allies nervous. By sending Douglas MacArthur to Japan, would they be sending the Allied commander into a trap? MacArthur did not believe so, and he was right. Upon reaching Atsugi Airfield outside of the naval district of Yokohama, he was treated with utmost respect. Two Japanese divisions guarded the roadway between the airfield and Yokohama's New Grand Hotel, with their backs facing MacArthur, which was the same respect they would give the Emperor. As MacArthur planned the formal surrender, he also immediately embarked on a mission to free prisoners of war, including his comrade of the Philippines days Jonathan Wainwright from a camp in Mukden in northeastern China.

ww2dbaseTokyo Bay Surrender Ceremony

ww2dbaseThe date of Japan's formal surrender was 2 Sep 1945, and it took place aboard American battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay. That morning, the Japanese delegation boarded American destroyers for Missouri. Toshikazu Kase of the Foreign Ministry was a member of the delegation, who noted his impression of the Allied show of force in Tokyo Bay as he approached in USS Landsdown.

As the destroyer pushed out of the harbor, we saw in the offing lines on the lines of gray warships, both heavy and light, anchored in majestic array. This was the mighty pageant of the Allied navies that so lately belched forth their crashing battle, now holding in their swift thunder and floating like calm sea birds on the subjugated waters. A spirit of gay festivity pervaded the atmosphere.

ww2dbaseAfter Kase arrived, he observed that

[t]here were row upon row of American admirals and generals in somber khaki; but what added to the festive gayety of the occasion was the sight of the war correspondents who, monkey-like, hung on to every cliff-like point of vantage in most precarious postures.... Then there was a gallery of spectators who seemed numberless, overcrowding every bit of available space on the great ship, on the mast, on the chimneys, on the gun turrets-on everything and everywhere.

ww2dbase"We are gathered here, representatives of the major warring powers, to conclude a solemn agreement whereby peace may be restored", said MacArthur to start the ceremony. Amidst American, British, and other Allied warships, Japanese foreign minister Mamoru Shigemitsu "[b]y Command and on behalf of the Emperor of Japan and the Japanese Government" and General Yoshijiro Umezu "[b]y Command and on behalf of the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters" surrendered. For the Allies, MacArthur represented the United States and the Allied command, Chester Nimitz represented the United States, Hsu Yung-Ch'ang for China, Bruce Fraser for the United Kingdom, Kuzma Derevyanko for the Soviet Union, Thomas Blamey for Australia, Colonel Lawrence Moore Cosgrave for Canada, General Philippe LeClerc for France, Conrad E.L. Helfrich for the Netherlands, and Leonard Isitt signed the surrender document for New Zealand. British Arthur Percival and American Jonathan Wainwright, generals who were imprisoned by the Japanese early on in the war, were invited to witness the historical event.

ww2dbaseThe text of the instrument of surrender was as follows:

ww2dbaseWe, acting by command of and in behalf of the Emperor of Japan, the Japanese Government and the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters, hereby accept the provisions set forth in the declaration issued by the Heads of the Governments of the United States, China, and Great Britain on 26 July 1945 at Potsdam, and subsequently adhered to by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, which four powers are hereafter referred to as the Allied Powers. ww2dbaseWe hereby proclaim the unconditional surrender to the Allied Powers of the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters and of all Japanese armed forces and all armed forces under the Japanese control wherever situated. ww2dbaseWe hereby command all Japanese forces wherever situated and the Japanese people to cease hostilities forthwith, to preserve and save from damage all ships, aircraft, and military and civil property and to comply with all requirements which may be imposed by the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers or by agencies of the Japanese Government at his direction. ww2dbaseWe hereby command the Japanese Imperial Headquarters to issue at once orders to the Commanders of all Japanese forces and all forces under Japanese control wherever situated to surrender unconditionally themselves and all forces under their control. ww2dbaseWe hereby command all civil, military and naval officials to obey and enforce all proclamations, and orders and directives deemed by the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers to be proper to effectuate this surrender and issued by him or under his authority and we direct all such officials to remain at their posts and to continue to perform their non-combatant duties unless specifically relieved by him or under his authority. ww2dbaseWe hereby undertake for the Emperor, the Japanese Government and their successors to carry out the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration in good faith, and to issue whatever orders and take whatever actions may be required by the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers or by any other designated representative of the Allied Powers for the purpose of giving effect to that Declaration. ww2dbaseWe hereby command the Japanese Imperial Government and the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters at once to liberate all allied prisoners of war and civilian internees now under Japanese control and to provide for their protection, care, maintenance and immediate transportation to places as directed. ww2dbaseThe authority of the Emperor and the Japanese Government to rule the state shall be subject to the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers who will take such steps as he deems proper to effectuate these terms of surrender. ww2dbase Signed at TOKYO BAY, JAPAN at 0904 on the SECOND day of SEPTEMBER, 1945 ww2dbaseMAMORU SHIGEMITSU

By Command and on Behalf of the Emperor of Japan and the Japanese Government ww2dbaseYOSHIJIRO UMEZU

By Command and on Behalf of the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters ww2dbase Accepted at TOKYO BAY, JAPAN at 0908 on the SECOND day of SEPTEMBER, 1945, for the United States, Republic of China, United Kingdom and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and in the interests of the other United Nations at war with Japan. ww2dbaseDOUGLAS MAC ARTHUR

Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers ww2dbaseC.W. NIMITZ

United States Representative ww2dbaseHSU YUNG-CH'ANG

Republic of China Representative ww2dbaseBRUCE FRASER

United Kingdom Representative ww2dbaseKUZMA DEREVYANKO

Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Representative ww2dbaseTHOMAS BLAMEY

Commonwealth of Australia Representative ww2dbaseL. MOORE COSGRAVE

Dominion of Canada Representative ww2dbaseJACQUES LE CLERC

Provisional Government of the French Republic Representative ww2dbaseC.E.L. HELFRICH

Kingdom of the Netherlands Representative ww2dbaseLEONARD M. ISITT

Dominion of New Zealand Representative

ww2dbaseWhen all signed the document, MacArthur approached the microphone and drew the war to a close: "Let us pray that peace be now restored to the world, and that God will preserve it always. These proceedings are closed."

ww2dbaseAs a precaution, Raymond Spruance commanded a full carrier task force some distance off Japan in preparation of any Japanese hostility. As expected, the carrier task force did not have the need to launch any combat missions on 2 Sep 1945.

ww2dbaseOther Surrender Ceremonies

ww2dbaseThe surrender ceremony at Rabaul, New Britain took place on 6 Sep 1945 aboard the British carrier Glory.

ww2dbaseSurrender ceremony in Korea took place in the Government Building in Seoul on 9 Sep 1945.

ww2dbaseThere were a number of surrender ceremonies in China. The first major ceremony took place in Hunan Province at the Zhijiang Airfield in Zhijiang County at 1600 hours on 21 Aug 1945. On 9 Sep 1945, General Yasuji Okamura of the Japanese China Expeditionary Army formally surrendered all Japanese troops in the entire China-Burma-India theater in a surrender ceremony in the ceremonial hall of the Chinese Military Academy at the capital city of Nanjing; the Chinese had wanted the Nanjing surrender ceremony to take place around a round table in order to save face for the Japanese in accordance to Chiang Kaishek's order to grant the Japanese benevolence, but American liaison officers vetoed such notion, insisting that Okamura and his staff should feel as the defeated rather than as peers. On, 10 Oct, Hiroshi Nemoto surrendered the Japanese China North Area Army at the Forbidden City in Beiping. On 25 Oct 1945 in Zhongshan Hall in Taipei, Taiwan, Chinese representative Chen Yi accepted the Japanese surrender of the island.

ww2dbaseJapanese forces surrendered on the island of Labuan, British Northern Borneo on 10 Sep 1945.

ww2dbaseSeishiro Itagaki surrendered the Japanese forces in Singapore on behalf of Field Marshal Hisaichi Terauchi, who was unable to attend due to health reasons, at the City Hall building on 12 Sep 1945. Louis Mountbatten accepted the surrender.

ww2dbaseOn 13 Sep 1945, Hatazo Adachi surrendered the remnants of his 18th Army to the Australians near Wewak in Australian Territory of New Guinea.

ww2dbaseAlso on 13 Sep, Japanese forces in Kuala Lumpur in British Malaya surrendered.

ww2dbaseOn 15 Sep 1945, a British naval squadron arrived in waters off of the port of Tanjung Priok near Jakarta in Dutch East Indies (or, the newly declared Republic Indonesia) with the primary task of assisting former prisoners of war. Admiral Todashi Maeda and other local Japanese military commanders immediately surrendered themselves to this advance party.

ww2dbaseThe Hong Kong surrender ceremony was held at the Government House on 16 Sep 1945. Royal Navy Rear Admiral Cecil Harcourt represented the United Kingdom, and Navy Vice Admiral Ruitaro Fujita and Army Major General Umekichi Okada represented Japan.

ww2dbaseChinese Lieutenant General Lu Han accepted the Japanese surrender in Hanoi, Tonkin, French Indochina on 28 Sep 1945; he and his troops would remain in Hanoi for another six months before France was ready to administer its former colony.

ww2dbaseOn 30 Nov 1945, Japanese Field Marshal Hisaichi Terauchi formally surrendered in Saigon in southern French Indochina.

ww2dbaseSources:

David Chandler, Robert Cribb, Li Narangoa, End of Empire

Bruce Gamble, Darkest Hour

Douglas MacArthur, Reminiscences

Dan van der Vat, The Pacific Campaign

Wikipedia

Last Major Update: May 2007

Japan's Surrender Interactive Map

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