In the Americas, on what date was V-J Day first announced in 1945?

In the Americas, V-J Day was first announced on August 14, 1945.

The date reflected time-zone differences. Emperor Hirohito’s recorded announcement was broadcast in Japan shortly after noon on August 15, but it was still August 14 in the United States and much of the Western Hemisphere. Newspapers and crowds therefore celebrated the news on August 14 in those regions.

V-J Day can refer to more than one closely related date. August 15 marks the public announcement in Japan, while September 2 marks the formal signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. The differing dates explain why historical references sometimes appear to disagree.

The announcement ended organized fighting in the Pacific, although the legal and ceremonial conclusion came with the September 2 signing. Japan’s surrender followed the atomic bombings, the Soviet entry into the war against Japan, and intense debate within Japan’s leadership.