What date was the Japanese Instrument of Surrender signed in Tokyo Bay?

The Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed on September 2, 1945, in Tokyo Bay.

The document formalized Japan’s capitulation and brought the fighting of World War II to an official close. The ceremony occurred aboard the USS Missouri, where Japanese officials signed on behalf of the Japanese government and Imperial General Headquarters. Allied representatives then signed for their respective governments.

This date is sometimes called V-J Day, although the term is also used for August 15, when Emperor Hirohito’s recorded announcement of surrender was broadcast in Japan. Time-zone differences meant the announcement was heard on August 14 in parts of the Americas. The two dates therefore describe different stages of the surrender process: public announcement and formal legal signing.

The instrument took effect at 9:25 a.m. Japan Standard Time. It was signed by representatives of nine Allied nations, including the United States, China, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, Australia, Canada, France, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.