Which general accepted Japan’s surrender as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers?

Douglas MacArthur accepted Japan’s surrender as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers.

MacArthur opened the ceremony aboard USS Missouri and signed the Instrument of Surrender on behalf of the Allied powers. His position gave him responsibility for accepting Japan’s capitulation and directing the initial occupation of the country.

He had commanded Allied forces in the Southwest Pacific Area and had returned to the Philippines in October 1944. After Japan surrendered, MacArthur became the leading authority in occupied Japan, overseeing demilitarization, political reforms, and the creation of a new constitutional system.

Chester Nimitz also signed the document, but he did so as the United States representative rather than as the overall Allied commander. That distinction is a common source of confusion. MacArthur’s role at the ceremony was international and administrative, while Nimitz represented the United States Navy and the American government’s military delegation.