On what date did Japanese representatives sign the formal surrender ending World War II?

Japanese representatives signed the formal surrender ending World War II on September 2, 1945.

The ceremony took place aboard the U.S. battleship USS Missouri, anchored in Tokyo Bay. Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu signed for the Japanese government, followed by General Yoshijirō Umezu for Imperial General Headquarters. Allied representatives then signed on behalf of their governments.

The signing followed the surrender decision announced by Emperor Hirohito in August. Japan’s acceptance had already ended organized strategic resistance, but the September ceremony supplied the formal instrument recognized by the Allied powers. The ceremony itself lasted only about 23 minutes.

September 2 is therefore distinct from the August dates associated with V-J Day and the emperor’s broadcast. It is also different from the start of the Allied occupation, which began later in August. The surrender instrument stated Japan’s acceptance of the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration and brought the war’s formal legal conclusion.