Who opened the Japanese Instrument of Surrender ceremony aboard USS Missouri?

Douglas MacArthur opened the Japanese Instrument of Surrender ceremony aboard USS Missouri.

MacArthur was the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers and presided over the September 2, 1945, ceremony in Tokyo Bay. At about 9:00 a.m., he addressed the assembled representatives and the wider audience listening through a worldwide broadcast. He expressed hope that the occasion would lead to a better and more peaceful world.

After MacArthur’s opening remarks, the Japanese representatives signed the instrument, followed by representatives of the Allied powers. MacArthur then signed on behalf of the Allied nations. Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz signed next as the United States representative, which is why Nimitz is sometimes incorrectly identified as the ceremony’s presiding figure.

MacArthur’s role at the ceremony should also be distinguished from President Harry S. Truman’s role. Truman was the U.S. president who authorized and announced wartime decisions, but he was not present aboard Missouri.