What was the name of the Japanese document signed aboard USS Missouri that formally ended World War II?

The Japanese document signed aboard USS Missouri that formally ended World War II was the Instrument of Surrender.

Japan signed the document on September 2, 1945, during a ceremony in Tokyo Bay. Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu signed for the Japanese government, and General Yoshijirō Umezu signed for Japan’s armed forces. General Douglas MacArthur then signed for the Allied Powers.

The instrument stated that Japan accepted the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration and ordered the Japanese government and military to cease hostilities. It also required Japanese forces to surrender wherever they were located and to obey orders issued by the Allied Supreme Commander.

The document followed Japan’s August 15 announcement that it accepted the Allied terms. These two moments are often confused: August 15 is associated with the public announcement and V-J Day, while September 2 marks the formal signing.