What does the “V-J” in V-J Day stand for in descriptions of Japan's 1945 surrender?

The “V-J” in V-J Day stands for “Victory over Japan.”

The expression was modeled on V-E Day, meaning Victory in Europe Day, which marked Nazi Germany’s defeat in May 1945. V-J Day referred to Japan’s surrender and the resulting end of the Pacific War and, ultimately, World War II.

The term can describe more than one date. Japan announced its acceptance of Allied terms on August 15, 1945, while the news reached the United States on August 14 because of time-zone differences. The surrender document was formally signed on September 2 aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.

Different countries therefore observe or remember V-J Day on different dates. The United Kingdom traditionally uses August 15, while the United States commonly recognizes September 2 as the official date associated with the formal surrender. “V-P Day,” or Victory in the Pacific Day, is another expression used for the same broad victory.