On what date were Japan's surrender documents formally signed, ending World War II hostilities?

Japan's surrender documents were formally signed on 2 September 1945, ending World War II hostilities.

The signing occurred aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. Mamoru Shigemitsu signed first for the Japanese government, followed by General Yoshijirō Umezu for Imperial General Headquarters. General Douglas MacArthur then signed for the Allied powers, followed by representatives of the United States, China, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, Australia, Canada, France, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.

The date is often distinguished from 15 August, when Emperor Hirohito's recorded surrender announcement was broadcast in Japan. Both dates are linked with V-J Day, depending on national convention and time zone. The September ceremony was the legal and public act that formalized Japan's capitulation.

A later peace treaty did not take effect until 1952, but the September 1945 instrument ended the wartime hostilities between Japan and the Allied powers.