At what exact local time did the Japanese surrender formally take effect on September 2, 1945?

The Japanese surrender formally took effect at 09:25 Japan Standard Time on September 2, 1945.

The ceremony began at 09:02 aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. Japanese representatives signed first, followed by General Douglas MacArthur and representatives of the Allied powers. After the signatures and closing remarks, the instrument became effective at 09:25.

This precise time is different from the start of the ceremony and from the time when Japan first announced its decision to surrender. Emperor Hirohito’s radio announcement was broadcast in Japan on August 15, while the formal legal act occurred more than two weeks later.

The distinction matters because “Japan surrendered” can describe several related milestones: the government’s acceptance of Allied terms, the emperor’s public announcement, the signing ceremony, and the instrument’s effective time. For the ceremony’s formal completion, 09:25 Japan Standard Time is the specific answer.