What does the abbreviation “V-J Day” mean in the context of World War II?

V-J Day means Victory over Japan Day, the name given to celebrations marking Japan’s surrender in World War II.

The term is the Pacific counterpart to V-E Day, or Victory in Europe Day, which marked Nazi Germany’s surrender in May 1945. Japan announced its decision to surrender on 15 August 1945, although the formal Instrument of Surrender was signed on 2 September aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.

The date associated with V-J Day varies by country and time zone. In the United States, news of the surrender was announced on 14 August 1945, while Japan’s public broadcast occurred on 15 August. The distinction explains why some historical sources list different dates for V-J Day.

V-J Day is not the same as the date Japan signed the surrender document. It refers primarily to the announcement and the resulting public celebrations, while 2 September marks the formal legal conclusion of the war.