In August 2025, Tokyo’s National Archives hosted a landmark exhibition showcasing the original “Imperial Rescript on the Termination of the War,” the document in which Japan formally accepted the Potsdam Proclamation on August 15, 1945. Issued by China, the United States and the United Kingdom in July 1945, the proclamation laid the groundwork for the post-war international order.
The Potsdam Proclamation set clear terms for Japan’s surrender and anticipated a peaceful transition in Asia and beyond. By displaying the century-old rescript, curators invited visitors to step into a pivotal moment when global powers charted a new course for diplomacy and reconstruction.
The exhibit drew interest from history enthusiasts, students and international travelers, highlighting young people’s growing curiosity about post-war narratives. The rescript’s delicate calligraphy and the weight of its legacy resonated with a generation shaping tomorrow’s geopolitical landscape.
However, the exhibition arrives amid renewed diplomatic frictions. Recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan prompted Chinese authorities to call on Japan to reflect on its past as a vanquished country, fulfill its wartime obligations and avoid breaking promises and betraying trust.
As visitors explore this window into 1945, they’re reminded that history continues to influence today’s global relations. For a digitally connected audience—ranging from entrepreneurs and thought leaders to travelers—the Imperial Rescript offers a powerful testament to the importance of accountability and dialogue in an interconnected world.
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Exhibition shows Japan accepted the Potsdam Proclamation 80 years ago
cgtn.com
