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Special Exhibition of the Imperial Rescript on Surrender

The National Archives of Japan, located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is hosting a special summer exhibition titled "End of War: The Conclusion of Conflict and the Beginning of the Post-War Era." This exhibition runs from July 19 to September 15, 2023, aligning with the historic End of War Day on August 15. Importantly, a special display of the original Imperial Rescript on Surrender will take place from August 8 to 21, providing a profound opportunity for visitors to engage with a pivotal moment in Japanese history.

Exhibition Schedule and Details

The original Imperial Rescript on Surrender will be on display as follows:

• - August 8 (Fri) to August 14 (Thu): Viewing of the amended sections.
• - August 15 (Fri) to August 18 (Mon): Display of the royal seal.
• - August 19 (Tue) to August 21 (Thu): Showcase of the signatures section.

The National Archives is open from 9:15 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with extended hours until 8:00 PM every Friday during the exhibition. This is a perfect chance for those coming from work or outings to visit. Additionally, there will be two rotations of the display, allowing visitors to see various aspects of the rescript over different periods of the exhibition.

Background on the Imperial Rescript

On August 15, 1945, at noon, Emperor Showa announced the end of World War II via radio broadcast, known as the Imperial Rescript on Surrender. The written version, prepared on the evening of August 14, served as the script for the imperial speech. The Cabinet decided on accepting the Potsdam Declaration at a meeting on the same day. During this crucial gathering, numerous edits were made to the draft, and parallel to these discussions, efforts were underway by government officials, including Sano Komonta, to transcribe the rescript in a refined format.

Due to time constraints, alterations to the final document were necessary, leading to unconventional methods of editing, such as cutting the paper or using parentheses to add text. One notable modification involved a passage heavily opposed by military officials, reflecting the intense atmosphere surrounding the conclusion of the war.

Notable Features of the Exhibition

1. Display of Amended Sections (August 8 - 14)

This section displays the amendments made to the Rescript which reflects changes initiated after the drafting began on August 9, subsequent to the Cabinet's decision to accept the Potsdam Declaration.

2. The Royal Seal (August 15 - 18)

This part highlights the royal seal featured on the document, alongside notable segments of the Imperial Rescript, including the well-known phrase of endurance and peace that was broadcast to the nation.

3. The Signature Section (August 19 - 21)

Signatures of prominent leaders from the time, such as Prime Minister Kantarō Suzuki and Minister of the Army Seishirō Itagaki, are featured here. Tragically, Army Minister Anan Ki'ichi took his own life shortly after signing the document, marking a somber historical point.

Related Merchandise

Alongside the exhibition, a catalog featuring the full text of the Imperial Rescript in color is available for purchase. This catalog commemorates the 80th anniversary since the end of the war, detailing various reforms and significant events of 1945 that ushered in transformative changes in Japan. Patrons can find the catalog in the first-floor lobby of the National Archives or can request it via mail by checking the Archives' website.

Practical Information

• - Exhibition Title: "End of War: The Conclusion of Conflict and the Beginning of the Post-War Era"
• - In Cooperation with: NHK
• - Exhibition Period: July 19 to September 15, 2023, with August 25 (Monday) being closed.
• - Location: National Archives of Japan, First Floor Exhibition Hall, 3-2 Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-0091
• - Access: A 5-minute walk from Exit 1b of Takebashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
• - Opening Hours: 9:15 AM - 5:00 PM, Fridays till 8:00 PM

For more information, visit the National Archives website: National Archives.

For press inquiries, contact the Exhibition Division at the National Archives of Japan: TEL: 03-6680-7206.