China

Russian operations continue. Marshal Alexandr Vasilevsky proposes that hostilities shall cease at midday on August 20. There is no reply from the headquarters of the Japanese Kwangtung Army, but from 7:00p.m. many units begin to surrender.

Britain, Home Front

In the House of Commons in London Winston Churchill voices his fears that 'an Iron Curtain, will fall across Europe'.

Diplomatic Relations

In Moscow the Soviets and Poles sign a treaty establishing the Soviet-Polish border.

Japan, Home Front

The Emperor issues an Imperial Rescript (decree) at 4:00p.m. Tokyo time ordering all Japanese forces to cease fire. The Cabinet resigns and Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni forms a new government with himself as prime minister and war minister. It is called the 'caretaker' administration.

Images from August 16, 1945

16 August 1945: A sailor is thrown into the air and caught by a group of Land Girls in Trafalgar Square, London, during VJ Day celebrations. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

Celebrating V-J Day in London

Takijiro Onishi (2 June 1891 - 16 August 1945) was an admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II, who came to be known as the father of the kamikaze. At the end of the War Onishi committed ritual suicide (seppuku) in his quarters following the surrender of Japan.

Takijiro Onishi