On August 15, 2026, at noon, Japanese media company Dwango will hold a special live broadcast titled "Imperial Rescript on Surrender: 37 Minutes Full Reproduction." This program aims to commemorate the end of World War II by replicating the historical radio broadcasts that took place on that significant day in 1945. The program will feature the iconic '玉音放送' (Gyokuon-hōsō), which contains the Showa Emperor's declaration of surrender, originally aired to the nation on that fateful day.
This initiative is part of Dwango's continued efforts since 2015 to reflect on war's conclusion and its implications on Japanese history. Audiences can expect the unique and profound experience of listening to the original broadcast, complete with a runtime of approximately 37 minutes and 30 seconds. This year's event is particularly noteworthy as it will include a newly discovered audio source related to the Cabinet's announcement, alongside the original imperial rescript.
The program will be based on Akiko Takeyama's book "玉音放送" and supervised by Masanobu Okabe, director of the Japan Radio Museum. The production aims to stay as true as possible to the original structure of broadcasts from 1945, and any missing audio segments will be supplemented with subtitles from period news scripts, aiming to provide viewers with a holistic understanding of this historical moment.
Live streaming will occur simultaneously on the Niconico platform and YouTube, ensuring access for a wide audience. The broadcast will commence precisely at noon, mirroring the original time of the 1945 announcement, allowing viewers to engage deeply with this reflective event. This moving reproduction will serve not only as a piece of history but as a reminder of the significant events that shaped Japan's future.
For those wanting to engage with this slice of history, details for the live broadcast are as follows:
Broadcast Name: Imperial Rescript on Surrender: 37 Minutes Full Reproduction
Broadcast Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 12:00 PM to approximately 12:37 PM
Broadcast Links:
Niconico Live:
View Here!
YouTube:
Watch on YouTube
Supervision: Masanobu Okabe, Japan Radio Museum Director
Reference Material: Akiko Takeyama's book, "玉音放送" published by Bansha
As we prepare to mark this poignant anniversary, we invite everyone to tune in and reflect on the historical significance of this broadcast, honoring the past while encouraging dialogue about peace and reconciliation in the present. It is our hope that viewers will leave with a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made during wartime and appreciate the value of peace today.