Microphones were set up in an office bunker under the Imperial Household Ministry, and Emperor Hirohito proceeded in between 11:25 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.[1] During the first recording he spoke too softly, and upon the advice of the technicians, offered to rerecord it.

To strive for the well-being of my subjects and to share in the prosperity and happiness of all nations has been the solemn duty passed down from my Imperial ancestors and the guiding principle that I have upheld.

Indeed, my decision to declare war on the United States and Britain was made with the sincere intention of ensuring the Empire’s self-preservation and the stability of East Asia.

Should we continue to fight, not only would it result in the ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation, but it would also lead to the total extinction of human civilization.

To my loyal subjects who have fallen in battle, those who have devoted themselves to their duties, and the families who have suffered unbearable losses, my heart is filled with sorrow.

However, should emotions run high and lead to rash actions, if fellow citizens turn against each other, disrupt the order of society, or tarnish the nation's honor by violating international trust, I would be profoundly saddened.

Prime Minister Baron Kantarō Suzuki Hirakawa's English translation reads as follows: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[a] have decided to effect a settlement of the present situation by resorting to an extraordinary measure.

[11] 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 lies close to our 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.

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 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.

Should we continue to fight, not only would it result in an ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation, but also it would lead to the total extinction of human civilization.

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 night and day.

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.

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

Cultivate the ways of rectitude, foster 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.