Japan’s 1945 surrender ceremony was held in Tokyo Bay aboard USS Missouri.
The bay provided an anchorage close to Japan’s capital while allowing a large Allied fleet to gather offshore. Around 250 Allied vessels were present in the wider area, including American, British, Australian, and Dutch ships.
The ceremony occurred on 2 September 1945, after Japan had accepted the Allied surrender terms in August. The location also carried historical symbolism: Missouri was anchored near the area where Commodore Matthew Perry’s ships had operated during his 1853 expedition to Japan.
The bay was not merely a ceremonial backdrop. Allied naval forces were still managing mines, occupation preparations, and security around Japan. Aircraft patrolled during the ceremony because planners feared a possible attack by Japanese pilots, although no attack occurred.