Which Allied commander opened Japan's formal surrender ceremony aboard USS Missouri?

Douglas MacArthur opened Japan's formal surrender ceremony aboard USS Missouri. As Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, MacArthur presided over the proceedings in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945.

MacArthur arrived before the Japanese delegation and stood at a bank of microphones on the ship's deck. His opening remarks expressed hope that the ceremony would lead to a better world founded on freedom, tolerance, justice, and understanding.

He signed the Instrument of Surrender for the Allied nations. Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz then signed as the United States representative, followed by representatives of other Allied countries.

MacArthur later led the Allied occupation of Japan. His position gave him military authority during the surrender, but the ceremony included representatives from several governments that had fought Japan across the Pacific and Asia.