Japan signed its formal World War II surrender in Tokyo Bay on 2 September 1945.
The signing occurred aboard the USS Missouri, which was anchored in the bay near Tokyo. The location placed the ceremony close to Japan’s political center while allowing a large Allied naval force to remain nearby.
The bay had earlier been associated with Commodore Matthew Perry’s 1853 expedition, which pressured Japan to open ports to American trade. That historical connection influenced the ceremony’s symbolism: Perry’s flag was displayed aboard Missouri.
Tokyo Bay should not be confused with the location of Emperor Hirohito’s surrender broadcast. That announcement was transmitted by radio from Japan on 15 August 1945, while the written surrender ceremony took place weeks later in the bay.