In the World War II abbreviation V-J Day, the letter J represents Japan.
V-J means “Victory over Japan,” following the wartime abbreviation V-E for “Victory in Europe.” The term refers to the Allied victory over Japan and is especially associated with Japan’s announced surrender in August 1945 and its formal signing in September.
Different countries and institutions used the term somewhat differently. In the United States, V-J Day commonly refers to August 15, the date associated with Japan’s acceptance of the Allied surrender terms. September 2, the date of the signing aboard USS Missouri, is also described as V-J Day because it marked the formal end of the war with Japan.
The abbreviation was used in headlines, military communications, public celebrations, and commemorative events. It is not the same as V-E Day, which marked Germany’s surrender and the end of the war in Europe in May 1945. Together, the two abbreviations identify the two major Allied victory milestones of 1945.