The September 2, 1945 Japanese surrender ceremony took place in Tokyo Bay.
The ceremony was held aboard USS Missouri, which was anchored in the bay near the Japanese capital. The location placed the signing close to the center of Japan’s government and military administration, while allowing a large Allied fleet to remain nearby.
Tokyo Bay also carried symbolic significance. Commodore Matthew Perry’s expedition had entered the bay in the 1850s, helping force Japan to open relations with the United States. A flag associated with Perry’s flagship was displayed during the 1945 ceremony, though it was shown with its reverse side visible.
After the signing, Allied occupation forces moved into Japan. The ceremony marked the formal end of fighting, while the occupation and the political reconstruction of Japan continued for several years.