The United States celebrated V-J Day on August 14, 1945, after Japan announced its World War II surrender.
President Harry S. Truman announced Japan’s acceptance of the Allied terms in a White House statement on August 14 in the United States. The news triggered huge public celebrations, newspaper headlines, church bells, parades, and gatherings across the country. The date was August 15 in Japan and in many other countries because of the difference in time zones.
V-J Day refers to “Victory over Japan Day,” the counterpart to V-E Day, which marked Germany’s defeat in Europe. The August celebration followed Japan’s radio announcement but preceded the formal signing of the Instrument of Surrender aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945.
A common mix-up is treating August 14 and August 15 as contradictory dates. Both are used: August 14 was the date of the U.S. announcement and celebrations, while August 15 was the corresponding calendar date in Japan. The September ceremony formally completed the surrender process.