What phrase does “V-J” mean in the name Victory over Japan Day?

In the name Victory over Japan Day, “V-J” means “Victory over Japan.”

The abbreviation follows the same pattern as V-E Day, or Victory in Europe Day, which marked Germany’s defeat in Europe. V-J Day refers to the end of the war against Japan, but different countries and sources use the term for different dates.

In the United States, the announcement of Japan’s acceptance of the Allied terms was widely celebrated on August 14, 1945, because of time-zone differences. In Japan, the emperor’s radio announcement was heard on August 15. The formal signing occurred on September 2 aboard USS Missouri.

These dates explain why V-J Day can appear in historical accounts with more than one calendar date. The phrase itself, however, is not “Victory in Japan”; the standard expansion is “Victory over Japan.”