General MacArthur opened Japan’s surrender ceremony at 9:02 a.m. local time on September 2, 1945.
The ceremony was held aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. MacArthur came aboard at 8:43 a.m., and the Japanese representatives arrived at 8:56. At 9:02, he stepped before the microphones and delivered opening remarks before the signatures began.
MacArthur was serving as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers. His opening statement expressed hope that the solemn occasion would lead to a better world based on understanding, dignity, freedom, tolerance, and justice. The proceedings lasted roughly 23 minutes.
The signing order reflected the structure of the surrender. Mamoru Shigemitsu signed for the Japanese government, Yoshijiro Umezu signed for the armed forces, and MacArthur signed for the Allied powers. Representatives of nine Allied governments then added their signatures. The instrument took effect at 9:25 a.m., making the timing of the ceremony a precise marker in accounts of V-J Day.