August 14th, 1945. Japan stands at the edge of collapse. Hiroshima and Nagasaki lie in ruins, yet generals vow to fight on as Emperor Hirohito secretly records his first-ever address — a message of surrender to end the war.

That night, chaos erupts. A faction of rebel officers storms the Imperial Palace in a desperate coup, determined to destroy the recordings and prolong the conflict. But hidden in a simple lunch bag, the phonographs slip past their grasp and make their way to the NHK radio station.

At noon the next day, Hirohito’s voice reaches the nation. For the first time, the Japanese people hear their Emperor — and with his words, World War II comes to a close, reshaping the future of global power.

Critical acclaim for Part 2 – The Japanese Surrender:

• Express: ‘Will leave viewers in tears’

• The Daily Telegraph: 'Enlightening and sobering'

• The Times: 'Insightful and fascinating'

• Radio Times: 'Breathless documentary' – and Pick of the Day

• The Guardian: Pick of the Day