Which date marks the formal end of World War II's Pacific War at the USS Missouri ceremony?

September 2, 1945, marks the formal end of the Pacific War at the USS Missouri ceremony.

On that date, Japanese representatives signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. General Douglas MacArthur presided and accepted the surrender for the Allied powers. The ceremony ended at approximately 9:25 a.m.

The date is often contrasted with August 15, when Hirohito's recorded broadcast announced Japan's acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration. August 15 is widely known as V-J Day, while September 2 is the date of the formal signing. Both dates are central to the history of Japan's surrender, but they describe different stages.

The signing also brought the wider Second World War to its formal conclusion in many historical accounts. The ceremony included representatives of several Allied nations, reflecting the international character of the war against Japan.