On 15th August 1945, Emperor Hirohito gave a recorded radio address across Japan, in which he announced the surrender of Japan to the Allies. As such, it is considered the day the war ended, and is celebrated each year in Japan as the National Memorial Service for War Dead.

 

Since 1982, it is also known as “The day for mourning of war dead and praying for peace” It is also when many regions celebrate the traditional Obon festival of Japan to honour their ancestors.