Japan's surrender was formally signed on September 2, 1945, aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
The ceremony completed the surrender process that Emperor Hirohito had announced by radio on August 15. Japanese representatives signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender on behalf of the government and imperial headquarters, while representatives of the Allied powers signed afterward.
General Douglas MacArthur opened the 23-minute ceremony at 9:02 a.m. Japan Standard Time. The document took effect at 9:25 a.m., officially ending hostilities between Japan and the Allies. The ceremony is often called V-J Day, although August 15 is also used for the surrender announcement, especially in Japan and other countries.
The date is sometimes confused with August 14 or 15 because news of Japan's decision crossed international date lines. August 15 was the public announcement in Japan, while September 2 was the formal signing and legal completion of the surrender.