In the World War II abbreviation V-J Day, what does “V-J” stand for?

In the World War II abbreviation V-J Day, “V-J” stands for “Victory over Japan.”

The term describes the Allied victory over Japan and the end of the Pacific War. It follows the same pattern as V-E Day, which means Victory in Europe and marks Germany’s surrender in May 1945. “Over” identifies the defeated opponent in the phrase Victory over Japan.

V-J Day is associated with more than one date. In the United States, news of Japan’s surrender reached the public on August 14, 1945. Japan broadcast Emperor Hirohito’s surrender announcement on August 15, while the formal Instrument of Surrender was signed on September 2 aboard USS Missouri.

The variation reflects time zones and the difference between an announcement and a legal surrender ceremony. The phrase remains widely used in histories, memorial events, and discussions of the final days of World War II.