Japan surrendered in World War II in two key stages:
- The surrender was announced by Japanese Emperor Hirohito on August 15, 1945, in a recorded radio address to the nation, signaling Japan's intention to accept the Allies' terms of unconditional surrender. This date is often referred to as Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day) in Japan and some Allied countries.
- The formal and official signing of the Instrument of Surrender took place on September 2, 1945, aboard the U.S. battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, where Japanese representatives signed the document, legally ending World War II hostilities between Japan and the Allies.
Thus, the surrender was announced on August 15, 1945, and formally signed on September 2, 1945.
