On what date was Japan’s formal Instrument of Surrender signed in 1945?

Japan’s formal Instrument of Surrender was signed on 2 September 1945, officially ending World War II hostilities.

The ceremony took place aboard the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. Japanese representatives signed for the government and Imperial General Headquarters, followed by representatives of the Allied powers.

This date differs from 15 August, when Emperor Hirohito’s surrender announcement was broadcast in Japan. It also differs from 14 August in the United States, when President Harry Truman announced that Japan had accepted the Allied terms.

The document became effective at 9:25 a.m. Japan Standard Time. The distinction between the announcement and the formal signing explains why different countries and sources sometimes use different dates for V-J Day.