What does the abbreviation “V-J Day” mean in references to Japan's 1945 surrender?

“V-J Day” means “Victory over Japan Day,” the name used for the end of the war against Japan.

The abbreviation parallels V-E Day, or Victory in Europe Day, which marked Nazi Germany's surrender in Europe earlier in 1945. Newspapers and governments used V-J Day for the announcement and formal conclusion of Japan's war, although the exact date varied by country and convention.

In the United States, President Harry S. Truman designated September 2, the date of the formal signing aboard USS Missouri, as the official V-J Day. August 14 or August 15 was also widely called V-J Day because Japan's surrender announcement was released internationally and Hirohito's broadcast reached the Japanese public on August 15.

The term therefore describes victory over Japan, not a Japanese national holiday or the separate European victory celebration.