Surrender of Japan (1945)
INSTRUMENT OF SURRENDER
Channeled Song: “Release Me” by Wilson Phillips
Interpretation: Wanting to be released from the war.
We, acting by the 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.
Channeled Song: “The Power” by SNAP!
Interpretation: Referring to the Allied Powers.
We 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 Japanese control wherever situated.
Channeled Song: “Control” by Janet Jackson
Interpretation: Relinquishing control.
We 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.
Channeled Song: “Bow Down” by Westside Connection
Interpretation: Expecting the Japanese to obey their commands.
We 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.
Channeled Song: “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” by Backstreet Boys
Interpretation: Telling them to notify everyone.
We hereby command all civil, military, and naval officials to obey and enforce all proclamations, 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.
Channeled Song: “Work” by Rihanna with Drake
Interpretation: Being required to do non-combatant jobs.
We 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.
Channeled Song: “Faith” by George Michael
Interpretation: Working in good faith.
We 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.
Channeled Song: “Go Home” by Stevie Wonder
Interpretation: Sending everyone home.
The 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.
Channeled Song: “Regulate” by Warren G. with Nate Dogg
Interpretation: Regulating the old regime.
Signed at Tokyo Bay, Japan at 0904 I on the Second day of September, 1945
Channeled Song: “One Moment in Time” by Whitney Houston
Interpretation: Documenting a momentous occasion.
MAMORU SHIGMITSU
Channeled Song: “BATTLE WITHOUT HONOR OR HUMANITY” by Hotei
Interpretation: Knowing that they committed war crimes.
By Command and in behalf of the Emperor of Japan and the Japanese Government.
Channeled Song: “Royals” by Lorde
Interpretation: Fighting on behalf of the Japanese Emperor.
YOSHIJIRO UMEZU
Channeled Song: “Cryin’” by Aerosmith
Interpretation: Upset that they were forced to surrender.
Accepted at TOKYO BAY, JAPAN at 0903 I 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.
Channeled Song: “Acknowledge Me” by Prince
Interpretation: Acknowledging receipt of this document.
DOUGLAS MAC ARTHUR
Channeled Song: “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
Interpretation: Happy to have won the war.
Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers
Channeled Song: “Soldier” by Destiny’s Child
Interpretation: Commanding General for the Allied Powers.
C.W. NIMITZ
Channeled Song: “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child
Interpretation: Always having his name mispronounced.
United States Representative
Channeled Song: “America” by Prince
Interpretation: Representing the United States.
HSU YUNG-CH’ANG
Channeled Song: “We Are The Champions” by Queen
Interpretation: Happy to have beat Japan.
Republic of China Representative
Channeled Song: “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang
Interpretation: Knowing there will be a celebration later on.
BRUCE FRASER
Channeled Song: “Fancy” by Iggy Azalea featuring Charli xcx
Interpretation: Being seen as fancy.
United Kingdom Representative
Channeled Song: “God Save The Queen” by Queen
Interpretation: Representing the United Kingdom.
KUZMA DEREVYANKO
Channeled Song: “Can’t Truss It” by Public Enemy
Interpretation: No one fully trusting him.
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics Representative
Channeled Song: “Back In The U.S.S.R.” by The Beatles
Interpretation: Representing Russia.
THOMAS BLAMEY
Channeled Song: “At Last” by Etta James
Interpretation: Happy that the war is over.
Commonwealth of Australia Representative
Channeled Song: “Down Under” by Men At Work
Interpretation: Hailing from Australia.
L. MOORE COSGRAVE
Channeled Song: “Finally” by CeCe Peniston
Interpretation: Glad the war is finally over.
Dominion of Canada Representative
Channeled Song: “O Canada” by Julia Westlin
Interpretation: Hailing from Canada.
JACQUES LE CLERC
Channeled Song: “Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top
Interpretation: Dressed extremely well.
Provisional Government of the French Republic Representative
Channeled Song: “Fill Me In” by Craig David
Interpretation: Filling in for someone else.
C.E.L. HELFRICH
Channeled Song: “Don’t Be Afraid” by Aaron Hall
Interpretation: No longer afraid of being killed.
Kingdom of the Netherlands Representative
Channeled Song: “Red Light Special” by TLC
Interpretation: His country known for its Red Light District.
You will want to know that despite the fact that Japan was required to release all of their prisoners of war, that the United States still kept some Japanese-Americans in detention camps well past when the war officially ended.
https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/surrender-of-japan
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