The “V” in V-J Day stands for “Victory.”
V-J Day means Victory over Japan Day, the name used by the Allies for celebrations marking Japan's defeat and surrender in World War II. It parallels V-E Day, or Victory in Europe Day, which marked Germany's surrender in May 1945.
The date associated with V-J Day varies by country and time zone. Japan announced its acceptance of the Allied terms on August 15, while the news reached the United States on August 14 Eastern War Time. The formal surrender ceremony then took place on September 2 aboard USS Missouri.
The term is related to, but not identical with, the broader end of World War II. Fighting involving Japanese forces and the Soviet Union continued in parts of Asia after the August announcement, and some isolated Japanese soldiers did not surrender until much later. In ordinary historical usage, however, V-J Day refers to the Allied celebration of Japan's surrender and the conclusion of the Pacific War.