In Japan, on what date in 1945 is Victory over Japan Day commonly observed?

In Japan, Victory over Japan Day is commonly observed on August 15, 1945.

On that day, Emperor Hirohito’s recorded radio broadcast was transmitted to the Japanese public. The broadcast announced acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration and instructed Japan’s armed forces to cease fighting. It was the first time most Japanese civilians had heard the emperor’s voice.

The date can cause confusion because the surrender process unfolded across several time zones and involved more than one important event. Japan communicated its acceptance on August 14, the broadcast was heard in Japan on August 15, and the formal surrender ceremony took place aboard USS Missouri on September 2.

In the United States, V-J Day is often associated with August 14, 1945, when President Harry S. Truman announced Japan’s surrender in Washington. Thus, August 15 is the standard Japanese observance, while August 14 is common in American historical references.