Victory over Japan Day, or V-J Day, marks the end of World War II. On September 2, 1945, Japanese officials signed the formal instrument of surrender aboard the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, ending a war that had lasted six years and cost tens of millions of lives. Some people also mark V-J Day on August 14 or 15, when Japan announced its surrender. The day honors the service and sacrifice of the generation that fought the war.
History of V-J Day
After Germany surrendered in May 1945, the war continued in the Pacific. In August 1945, the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima on August 6 and Nagasaki on August 9, and the Soviet Union declared war on Japan on August 8.
On August 15, 1945, Japan time (August 14 in the United States), Emperor Hirohito announced in a radio broadcast that Japan would accept the Allies' terms. Americans poured into the streets in celebration, including in New York's Times Square.
On September 2, 1945, General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, accepted Japan's formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri, with representatives of the Allied nations present. President Harry S. Truman proclaimed September 2 as V-J Day. Today, the USS Missouri is a museum ship at Pearl Harbor, near the USS Arizona Memorial, linking the beginning and end of America's war in the Pacific. Rhode Island observes a state holiday called Victory Day in August.
Why V-J Day Matters
V-J Day marks the end of the deadliest conflict in human history and honors the millions who served, including many who never returned home.
It is also a day for reflection. The war's end came after enormous suffering, including the atomic bombings, and remembering it encourages people to value peace and diplomacy.
As the World War II generation passes away, the day is an important opportunity to listen to veterans' stories, preserve their memories and teach younger generations about the sacrifices that shaped the modern world.
How to Celebrate V-J Day
- Honor veterans: thank World War II veterans and their families.
- Visit a memorial: visit the National WWII Memorial or a local monument.
- Learn the history: read about the Pacific War and the surrender ceremony.
- Visit the USS Missouri: tour the museum ship at Pearl Harbor or explore it online.
- Record stories: help preserve veterans' oral histories.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, observe a moment of reflection, share historical photos, or support a veterans' organization. Keep the tone respectful. In classrooms, students can compare V-E Day and V-J Day, study primary sources such as newspapers from 1945, or interview relatives about family members who served. Teachers can lead thoughtful discussions about the atomic bombings and their consequences. At home, families can watch a documentary suitable for their children's ages, visit a memorial or museum, or look through family records for relatives who served in the Pacific.
Fun Facts About V-J Day
- Japan formally surrendered on September 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri.
- Japan announced its surrender on August 15, 1945 (August 14 in the U.S.).
- The USS Missouri is now a museum ship at Pearl Harbor.
V-J Day FAQs
When is V-J Day?
V-J Day is September 2; some people also mark August 14 or 15.
What does V-J Day stand for?
Victory over Japan Day.
Where did Japan sign the surrender?
Aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay.
Who accepted the surrender?
General Douglas MacArthur, on behalf of the Allied Powers.