Everything You Need To Know about VJ Day
What is VJ Day?
VJ Day refers to Victory of Japan Day, an important part of World War II where Japan surrendered to the Allied forces.
What is the Difference Between VJ Day and VE Day?
While VJ Day refers to the victory over Japan in the Second World War, VE Day refers to the victory in Europe. There are different days commemorated as victory celebrations because of the global nature of the conflict, which is why it was referred to as a ‘World War’. Fighting was spread among many different countries and theatres, so even though a victory was declared in Europe earlier in 1945, fighting continued elsewhere.
You can find everything you need to know about VE Day here.
When is VJ Day?
The official date of VJ Day in the UK is 15th August 1945; and 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.
Other countries celebrate VJ Day on different days, for example, the United States commemorates the date on 2nd September 1945, which is when the official surrender document was signed.
What Were the Events Which Led to VJ Day?
World War II began in Europe in 1939 with the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany which was quickly opposed by Britain and France. Over the next two years, Germany negotiated treaties with other world powers, which led to the formation of the Axis alliance which, included Japan.
In December 1941, Japan launched attacks in the Asia Pacific region, which included British and American targets, including the infamous attack on Pearl Harbour, which is what finally led to the United States formally entering the war.
Japan quickly conquered large regions of the Chinese coast and other areas throughout Southeast Asia. The Japanese advance was eventually halted at the Battle of Midway, one of the largest naval battles of the war.
By 1944, the tide was turning in Europe, with the liberation of France by Allied forces. In the same year, US forces scored decisive naval victories over the Japanese and with the support of Australian forces, were able to capture strategically important Pacific islands such as Okinawa and Iwo Jima.
In May 1945 Germany surrendered unconditionally. The end of war in the European theatre meant that Allied forces were now free to deploy elsewhere and tackle the remaining Axis forces on other fronts. The Soviet Union, now no longer at war with Germany, declared war on Japan.
In July 1945 the US completed its successful test of the world’s first atomic bomb. With Japan still in the war, although increasingly weakened and isolated, the United States dropped two atomic bombs, one on Hiroshima on 6 August and the second on Nagasaki on 9 August.
The dreadful effects of these terrible weapons led to Japan’s negotiation of surrender, but negotiations stalled around key details within a few days. News back in the UK was still positive, and the Imperial War Museum’s page on VJ Day has a photograph showing premature celebrations on the 10 August.
Intervention by the Japanese Emperor Hirohito broke the deadlock, and Japan completed its unconditional surrender on the 15 August 1945.
How was VJ Day Celebrated in 1945?
Still buoyed from the celebration of the end of the war in Europe, the British had another reason to celebrate when Prime Minister Clement Atlee, elected only a few weeks before, announced “Japan has today surrendered” in a midnight radio address. That timing meant that most British people were unaware of the news until they read the newspapers the following morning. London and other cities saw a repeat of the same public celebrations they experienced only three months earlier for VE Day.
Do Other Countries Celebrate VJ Day?
United States
The USA recognises the 2 September as the official anniversary of the victory, but there are no state or federal holidays to commemorate it.
Australia
Australia announced the victory on 15 August 1945, and promptly closed all the pubs to stop celebrations getting out of hand! Initially, Australia celebrated the victory as VP Day, or Victory in the Pacific, rather than specifically in Japan, but this usage has evolved over time.
China
The Chinese government was present at the signing of the surrender documents aboard the USS Missouri on 2 September 1945. In 1946, China celebrated the victory on 3 September, and this is the date recognised as VJ Day in China today.
Korea
Korea recognises VJ Day not only as a national holiday to commemorate the victory over Japan, but also the day that Korea became an independent nation following years of Japanese rule.
Vietnam
Vietnam became the Democratic Republic of Vietnam when Japan surrendered, and today celebrates VJ Day on the 19 August.
How is VJ Day Celebrated Today?
2025 is the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, and there are celebrations taking place nationwide. If you would like to get involved, we have a page on the 80th Anniversary of VJ Day which lists events across the country and includes an 80th Anniversary commemoration pack you can download.
Go further with The Army Cadets
Being involved in these national days as a cadet allows you to honour and commemorate our history and gain a better understanding of service and teamwork.
If you want to push yourself further, make new friends, overcome new challenges, and take part in events like VJ Day find your nearest detachment today and join the Army Cadets!