Who opened Japan’s formal surrender ceremony as Supreme Commander for the Allies?

Douglas MacArthur opened Japan’s formal surrender ceremony as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers.

MacArthur stood before the assembled delegates aboard USS Missouri on September 2, 1945. He welcomed the representatives and declared that the proceedings would be conducted with “sincerity and dignity,” establishing the formal tone of the event.

He signed the Instrument of Surrender on behalf of the Allied powers. Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz then signed for the United States, followed by representatives of the other Allied nations. MacArthur’s role reflected his command responsibility across the Southwest Pacific Area and his appointment to lead the occupation of Japan.

After the ceremony, MacArthur became the senior authority in occupied Japan. He oversaw major political, legal, economic, and social reforms during the occupation, which lasted until the San Francisco Peace Treaty took effect in 1952. His position at the ceremony made him one of the most recognizable figures associated with the war’s end.