The Japanese Instrument of Surrender contained eight articles when it was signed in 1945.
The document formalized Japan’s unconditional surrender and set out the immediate obligations of the Japanese government and armed forces. Its articles required Japan to accept the terms of the Potsdam Declaration, order Japanese forces to cease operations, and provide information about military deployments and prisoners of war.
The instrument also required Japanese authorities to carry out the orders of the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers. It placed Japan’s government and military under the authority necessary to implement occupation, disarmament, and demobilization.
The document should not be confused with the Potsdam Declaration, issued on 26 July 1945, which demanded Japan’s surrender and stated the broad Allied terms. The Instrument of Surrender was the later document signed aboard USS Missouri. Two versions were signed at the ceremony: one for the Allied powers and one for Japan.