When did representatives of Japan sign the Japanese Instrument of Surrender?

Representatives of Japan signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender on 2 September 1945.

The document formalized Japan’s capitulation and ended the hostilities of World War II. The ceremony was held aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, where Japanese and Allied representatives signed in sequence.

Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu signed for the emperor and the Japanese government, while General Yoshijirō Umezu signed for Imperial General Headquarters. General Douglas MacArthur then accepted the surrender for the Allied Powers.

The signing date is distinct from 15 August, when Hirohito’s recorded announcement was broadcast to Japan. The earlier date is commonly associated with V-J Day, while 2 September is the formal legal and ceremonial end of the war with Japan. The instrument was effective shortly after the ceremony concluded.