In World War II, what does “V-J Day” stand for in accounts of Japan’s surrender?

“V-J Day” stands for “Victory over Japan.” The term describes the Allied victory over Japan and the end of World War II in the Pacific.

The expression is used for both August 15, 1945, when Japan announced its acceptance of the Allied terms, and September 2, 1945, when representatives formally signed the Instrument of Surrender. Usage varies by country and institution. In the United States, V-J Day often refers to August 14 or 15 because the news reached different time zones on different calendar dates. September 2 is the date of the formal signing.

V-J Day is paired with V-E Day, which marked Germany’s surrender in Europe in May 1945. The “V” means victory, while “J” identifies Japan. The phrase is not the title of a separate treaty or military operation. It is a commemorative label for the victory and the closing stage of the global conflict, although fighting and surrender formalities continued in some Asian and Pacific areas after the initial announcement.