Japanese Emperor Announces Surrender and Renounces Divinity

On August 15, 1945, following the two atomic bombings, Emperor Hirohito broadcast the 'Jewel Voice Broadcast' for the first time, announcing Japan's unconditional surrender. In a dramatic shift, the Emperor—previously revered as a living god—later issued the 'Humanity Declaration,' admitting he was merely a mortal and not a descendant of the Sun Goddess. This marked the collapse of one of the largest state myths in history.