Who presided over Japan’s formal surrender ceremony as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers?

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

MacArthur accepted the Japanese Instrument of Surrender aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. He signed the document first for the Allied powers, using several pens that he later distributed as souvenirs.

MacArthur had been appointed Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, commonly abbreviated SCAP, to oversee the occupation and reconstruction of Japan. His authority covered major political, military, and administrative changes during the early postwar period.

Admiral Chester Nimitz signed next for the United States, while representatives of other Allied countries added their signatures. MacArthur’s role at the ceremony is sometimes confused with Nimitz’s position as the senior U.S. naval commander in the Pacific, but MacArthur was the officer who presided and signed first for the Allies.