Reference News Network, August 4 report. According to Japan's Kyodo News Agency, on August 4, the National Archives of Japan is holding a special exhibition showcasing official documents before and after the end of the war. During this period, from August 8 to 21, the original document of the "Imperial Rescript on the Termination of the War," which announced Japan's acceptance of the Potsdam Proclamation, will be on display. The content of the rescript was conveyed to the Japanese people through a radio broadcast by Emperor Hirohito on August 15, 1945.
The exhibition organizer said: "1945 was the starting point for building a new Japan. We hope everyone can come and see how today's society began."
The exhibits include more than 30 items, mainly official documents from around 1945. They include an imperial rescript informing the people that Japan had declared war on the United States and Britain on December 8, 1941, as well as the cabinet decision document when the revised "Election Law for House of Representatives Members" granting women the right to vote was announced in December 1945.
The original copy of the "Imperial Rescript on the Termination of the War" shows traces of the paper's surface being scraped off to revise wording, as well as insertions of words in parentheses. Japan decided to surrender at the "Imperial Conference" on August 9-10, 1945. It is reported that after this, the cabinet meeting repeatedly discussed the content of the rescript. The head of the National Archives stated that it is rare for an imperial rescript personally reviewed by the emperor to have modification traces.
The exhibition runs until September 15 and is free to visit.
Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7534601145382076971/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author. Welcome to express your opinion by clicking the [up/down] buttons below.