What does the “V-J” in “V-J Day” stand for in World War II history?

In World War II history, “V-J” in “V-J Day” stands for Victory over Japan.

The expression was modeled on V-E Day, meaning Victory in Europe, which marked Nazi Germany’s surrender in May 1945. Allied governments and newspapers used V-J Day for celebrations connected with Japan’s capitulation and the end of the Pacific War.

The label can refer to more than one date. In Japan and many Commonwealth countries, 15 August was associated with the broadcast announcement that Japan had accepted the Allied terms. In the United States, the announcement was heard on 14 August because of the international date line. The formal surrender ceremony took place on 2 September aboard USS Missouri.

This variation explains why historical sources sometimes list 14 August, 15 August, or 2 September as V-J Day. The phrase itself remains consistent: the “V” means victory and the “J” identifies Japan. Australia also commonly used the related expression V-P Day, meaning Victory in the Pacific.