VJ Day 80 – 15th August 2025 – Victory over Japan Day

VJ Day in 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan effectively bringing an end to World War II on 15th August 1945.

Victory over Japan (VJ) Day in 2025 will be on Friday, August 15.

VJ Day 2025, the 80th Anniversary – Friday 15th August 2025

What will be done to commemorate VJ Day 2025?

Commemoration services
Cathedrals, churches, and community groups will hold services to honor the sacrifice of those who fought in the Far East

Events
The Royal British Legion (RBL) will plan events to remember the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation

Reflection
People will reflect on the lessons of the war and the importance of international understanding and cooperation.

What is VJ Day?

VJ Day is a day to honour the sacrifices made by the Allied forces, and to celebrate the restoration of peace. It is also a day to remember the memories of those who lost their lives during the war.

Victory in Japan Day, commonly referred to as V-J Day, is the day when Japan formally surrendered to the Allied forces, bringing World War II to an end.

The surrender was announced on August 15, 1945, following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and was formally signed on September 2, 1945, aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. V-J Day is observed to honor the conclusion of the war in the Pacific and to remember the immense human cost of the conflict.

The Very Revd Jo Kelly-Moore, chair of the Association of English Cathedrals and the Dean of St Albans said:

“As we gather in prayer in our Cathedrals and places of worship on that special anniversary, the bells that ring out are also a call to us to renew our commitment, people of all faiths and none, to work for peace in our communities and in God’s world.’

For more on events you can join in for VJ Day click here.