On what date did Japan sign the formal Instrument of Surrender in World War II?

Japan signed the formal Instrument of Surrender on September 2, 1945.

The signing took place aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay shortly after 9 a.m. Japan Standard Time. The document formalized Japan's capitulation and marked the end of active hostilities in World War II. General Douglas MacArthur presided over the ceremony as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers.

The date is sometimes confused with August 15, when Emperor Hirohito's recorded announcement was broadcast to the Japanese public. August 14 in the United States was the date on which President Harry Truman publicly announced that Japan had accepted the Allied terms, because of the time difference. September 2 was the date of the legal and ceremonial signing.

The instrument was signed by Japanese representatives and delegates from the United States, China, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, Australia, Canada, France, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. The ceremony ended at about 9:25 a.m.