What title did Douglas MacArthur hold when he accepted Japan’s surrender in Tokyo Bay?

Douglas MacArthur held the title Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers when he accepted Japan’s surrender in Tokyo Bay.

MacArthur signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender at 9:08 a.m. on September 2, 1945. His signature was made in his capacity as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, commonly abbreviated as SCAP. He accepted the document on behalf of the Allied nations rather than as a representative of only the United States.

The title also gave MacArthur authority during the occupation of Japan. SCAP supervised the Allied occupation, although the United States supplied most of the personnel and exercised the dominant influence. MacArthur directed political, economic, and military reforms while Japan was demilitarized.

MacArthur was simultaneously a senior American Army commander, which can cause confusion in accounts of the ceremony. The surrender document specifically identifies his Allied command title. Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz signed next as the United States representative.