The Japanese Instrument of Surrender took effect at 9:25 a.m. Japan Standard Time on September 2, 1945.
The document was signed aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay during a ceremony that began shortly after 9:00 a.m. Japan Standard Time. Japanese representatives signed first, followed by General Douglas MacArthur and representatives of the Allied powers.
MacArthur accepted the surrender at 9:08 a.m., while the final Allied representative completed his signature at 9:22 a.m. The formal proceedings then concluded, and the surrender took effect at 9:25 a.m. The timing marks the official end of hostilities with the Allied powers.
This exact time is different from the public announcement of surrender on August 15. Japan’s announcement ended the fighting politically and publicly, while the signed instrument formally completed the surrender process.