On what date was Japan’s surrender formally signed in World War II?

Japan’s surrender was formally signed on September 2, 1945.

On that date, Japanese government and military representatives signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. The document brought the hostilities of World War II between Japan and the Allied powers to a formal close.

The date is often confused with August 15, when Emperor Hirohito’s recorded announcement was broadcast to the Japanese public. August 15 marked the public announcement and is the date most often associated with V-J Day in Japan. September 2 marks the legal and ceremonial signing.

The surrender document was signed by representatives of Japan and nine Allied powers: the United States, China, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, Australia, Canada, France, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. The ceremony began shortly after 9 a.m. and concluded at approximately 9:25 a.m. Japan Standard Time.