Harry S. Truman announced Japan’s acceptance of surrender terms to the American public in August 1945.
Truman’s nationwide announcement was broadcast on 14 August 1945 in the United States. He reported that Japan had accepted the Allied terms and said the formal surrender ceremony would take place on 2 September.
The announcement produced enormous celebrations across the United States and Allied countries. Newspapers, crowds, church bells, and public gatherings marked what became known as V-J Day. In Japan, Emperor Hirohito’s announcement was broadcast on 15 August because of the time difference and the scheduling of the Japanese radio address.
Truman’s announcement did not itself replace the written surrender instrument. He specifically distinguished Japan’s acceptance from the later formal signing, which is why historians identify both August V-J observances and the September ceremony as separate milestones.