Japan Surrenders: V-J Day

What happened

Following the atomic bombings and the Soviet declaration of war, Japan agreed to surrender. Japanese and Allied representatives signed the Instrument of Surrender aboard the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945, with General Douglas MacArthur presiding.

Why it matters

The formal surrender of Japan ended World War II — the deadliest conflict in human history.

How we know

The signed Instrument of Surrender and the documented ceremony aboard USS Missouri record the event.

Sources

• Naval History and Heritage Command. V-J Day · General source
• The National WWII Museum. Full Circle: The Japanese Surrender in Tokyo Bay, September 2, 1945 · General source