Which phrase became the common English name for the Allied victory over Japan in 1945?

“Victory over Japan Day” became the common English name for the Allied victory over Japan in 1945.

The phrase is usually shortened to V-J Day, paralleling V-E Day, or Victory in Europe Day, which marked Germany’s defeat earlier in 1945. V-J Day refers to the announcement and celebration of Japan’s surrender, although different countries use different dates for the observance.

In the United States, the announcement was made on August 14, 1945, while Japan publicly marked the emperor’s surrender announcement on August 15. The formal surrender document was signed on September 2 aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. All three dates can therefore appear in discussions of V-J Day.

The term describes victory over Japan, not the end of every conflict involving Japanese forces at exactly the same moment. Some fighting and surrender arrangements continued after the announcement, particularly in remote areas and territories where communication was delayed. The formal instrument nevertheless established the legal conclusion of the war with Japan.