The Japanese Instrument of Surrender was signed in Tokyo Bay in 1945. The document was signed aboard USS Missouri on September 2, in waters near the Japanese capital.
Tokyo Bay was chosen because it allowed a large Allied naval force to gather while placing the ceremony close to Tokyo. The fleet's presence also demonstrated Allied control after Japan's defeat.
Representatives of Japan and the Allied nations signed two versions of the instrument. Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu signed for the government, while General Yoshijirō Umezu signed for the armed forces.
The ceremony took place after Hirohito's August 15 broadcast, which announced Japan's decision to accept the Allied terms. Tokyo Bay therefore connects the public announcement with the formal legal act that ended the war.