Following the devastating impact of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in early August 1945, Japan found itself under immense pressure to consider its position in World War II. The Potsdam Declaration, issued by Allied leaders, called for the unconditional surrender of Japan, outlining the terms for peace. On August 10, the Japanese government announced that a message had been sent to the Allies, accepting these terms, but crucially, with the stipulation that the sovereignty of the Emperor must remain intact. The Japanese leadership sought to negotiate the preservation of the imperial institution, which was deeply intertwined with Japanese identity and governance. Prime Minister Kantarō Suzuki's administration understood that retaining the Emperor's prestige was vital for maintaining order among the Japanese populace and for post-war reconciliation.

The communiqué was a delicate balancing act aimed at preserving national dignity while conceding to Allied demands. It highlighted Japan's attempt to navigate the fine line between submitting to defeat and safeguarding its cultural and political structure. While the announcement was made in a time of desperation, it also reflected a strategic calculation to maintain the Emperor as a figurehead despite the significant shift in power dynamics post-surrender. Reports indicate that the conditions laid out in their acceptance were not well-received by the Allies, particularly given the context of unconditional surrender they had long stated was required.