VJ Day 80th Celebration

VJ Day, commemorating the end of World War II, will be observed in the UK on August 15, 2025, with various events planned to honour those who served in the conflict.

Significance of VJ Day

VJ Day, or Victory over Japan Day, marks the day on August 15, 1945, when Japan announced its surrender, effectively bringing an end to World War II. This day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and honours the memory of those who fought in the Far East. The VJ Day celebrations in 2025 are particularly significant as they coincide with the 80th anniversary of the war's conclusion. This event serves not only to remember those who served but also to reflect on the collective sacrifices made during the conflict. It is a chance for people across the UK to come together in remembrance and to observe the legacy of those who fought for peace.

Events before VJ Day

On 6 August and 9 August 1945, the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, respectively. On 9 August, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan. The Japanese government on August 10 communicated its intention to surrender under the terms of the Potsdam Declaration.

A little after noon Japan Standard Time on 15 August 1945, Emperor Hirohito's announcement of Japan's acceptance of the terms of the Potsdam Declaration was broadcast to the Japanese people over the radio. Earlier the same day, the Japanese government had broadcast an announcement over Radio Tokyo that "acceptance of the Potsdam Proclamation [would be] coming soon", and had advised the Allies of the surrender by sending a cable to U.S. President Harry S Truman via the Swiss diplomatic mission in Washington, D.C. The formal signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender took place on board the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945, and at that time Truman declared September 2 to be the official V-J Day.

Colour Heroes have designed a children’s activity sheet to celebrate this special occasion. This activity sheets can be download on our website for free! The activity sheet contains a range of puzzles and games for children aged between 5 and 11 years. Children will learn about the types of food which were rationed during and after War II, Morse Code and how people celebrated the end of WWII. Download our VJ activity sheet https://www.colourheroes.com/downloads.

As part of our Colour Heroes collection of history books, we have a dedicated volume on the events of World War II. This book comprehensively covers the pivotal moments leading up to the outbreak of the war, the experiences during the war years, life on the home front in the UK and a thorough account of the conflict's conclusion. To explore this book and the entire Colour Heroes history range, shop here