When was Japan’s formal surrender document signed aboard USS Missouri?

Japan’s formal surrender document was signed aboard USS Missouri on 2 September 1945. The ceremony took place on the battleship’s deck in Tokyo Bay and officially ended World War II’s hostilities with Japan.

Japanese representatives signed the document first, followed by representatives of the Allied powers. General Douglas MacArthur presided as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, while Admiral Chester Nimitz signed for the United States. Representatives from several Allied nations also added their signatures.

The ceremony lasted about 23 minutes and was broadcast internationally. It followed Emperor Hirohito’s surrender announcement of 15 August, but the legal and ceremonial completion of the surrender required the written instrument.

This distinction explains why references to V-J Day sometimes use different dates. 15 August marks Japan’s public announcement, while 2 September marks the formal signing. At 9:25 a.m., after the signatures were complete, the war was considered officially over.