Which Allied general accepted Japan’s surrender on September 2, 1945?

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

MacArthur had commanded Allied forces in the Southwest Pacific Area and had returned to the Philippines in 1944 after his earlier withdrawal. After Japan’s surrender, he became the central Allied authority during the occupation of Japan. His role at the ceremony reflected his position as the senior commander responsible for accepting Japan’s capitulation.

MacArthur was not the only major Allied commander present. Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz signed immediately after him as the representative of the United States. The distinction matters because MacArthur signed as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, while Nimitz signed specifically for the United States. The ceremony was brief but carefully organized, with each delegation signing in a prescribed order.