The September 2, 1945, observance of Japan’s World War II surrender is commonly called V-J Day.
“V-J” means “Victory over Japan.” The term follows V-E Day, or Victory in Europe Day, which marked Nazi Germany’s surrender in May 1945. V-J Day therefore refers specifically to the Allied victory over Japan and the end of the Pacific War.
The label can describe more than one date because the surrender unfolded in stages. Japan’s government accepted the Allied terms and Emperor Hirohito’s recorded speech was broadcast on August 15. The formal Instrument of Surrender was signed on September 2 aboard USS Missouri. In the United States, September 2 was designated V-J Day for the formal surrender, while August 14 was also observed because of the time difference when the news arrived.
Japan commonly refers to August 15 as the memorial day for the end of the war rather than using V-J Day as a national holiday. This difference in terminology reflects the distinction between public announcement, cessation of fighting, and legal signing.