In the term “V-J Day,” the letter J refers to Japan.
V-J Day means “Victory over Japan Day,” the name used in Allied countries for celebrations marking Japan’s defeat in World War II. The abbreviation follows the pattern of V-E Day, or Victory in Europe Day, which marked Nazi Germany’s surrender in May 1945.
The date associated with V-J Day varies by country and time zone. In the United States, the announcement was reported on August 14, 1945, because the news arrived during the evening in American time zones. In Japan, Emperor Hirohito’s broadcast was heard on August 15. The formal surrender ceremony itself took place on September 2 aboard USS Missouri.
V-J Day should not be confused with the day Japan signed the surrender instrument. The phrase generally refers to the public announcement and celebrations, while September 2 marks the formal signing. Both dates are important milestones in the end of the Pacific War.