In the United States, V-J Day for Japan's surrender announcement was traditionally observed on August 14, 1945.
News of Japan's acceptance of the Allied terms reached the United States on August 14 local time. President Harry Truman announced the news, and celebrations spread through American cities. The date reflected the time difference between Japan and North America.
In Japan and many other countries, the announcement is associated with August 15, because Emperor Hirohito's recorded broadcast was heard there on that date. The formal surrender ceremony occurred later, on September 2, aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
The initials V-J mean “Victory over Japan.” They parallel V-E Day, or Victory in Europe Day, which marked Germany's surrender earlier in 1945. Although August 14 became the familiar American date, the United States also used September 2 in official statements and commemorations connected with the signing.