Which Allied general accepted Japan’s surrender and signed the Instrument of Surrender in 1945?

Douglas MacArthur accepted Japan’s surrender and signed the Instrument of Surrender as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers on September 2, 1945. He opened and closed the ceremony aboard USS Missouri.

MacArthur had commanded Allied forces in the Southwest Pacific Area and returned to the Philippines in 1944 after being ordered to leave in 1942. His role in the surrender reflected his appointment to oversee Japan’s occupation and demilitarization.

He signed two copies of the document, using several pens. One pen was given to the United States Military Academy at West Point, and another went to the Australian government, honoring the Allied contribution.

Admiral Chester Nimitz signed immediately after MacArthur for the United States. Although MacArthur presided, the ceremony included representatives from eight Allied nations, emphasizing that Japan surrendered to a coalition rather than to one commander alone.