When was Japan’s formal surrender signed, ending World War II?

Japan’s formal surrender was signed on 2 September 1945, ending hostilities in World War II.

The ceremony took place shortly after 9 a.m. Japan Standard Time aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. Japanese representatives signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, followed by representatives of the Allied powers.

This date is distinct from 15 August, when Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s acceptance of the Allied terms. The earlier announcement ended Japan’s decision-making process, while the September ceremony formally documented the capitulation.

The instrument stated that Japan accepted the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration and ordered Japanese forces to cease resistance. President Harry S. Truman designated the date as the official V-J Day in the United States, although other countries used different dates for public celebrations.