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Yamashita Surrender Day

National special working holiday in the Philippines on September 3 to commemorate the surrender of Japanese military forces led by General Tomoyuki Yamashita in 1945.

Thursday

September 2026

Last updated February 11, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESeptember 3

OBSERVED INPhilippines

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYCivics

ORIGIN

Enacted Law

FOUNDING ENTITY

Congress of the Philippines

FIRST OBSERVED

2019

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

In 2019, the Philippines enacted Republic Act No. 11216 declaring September 3 a special working public holiday nationwide to commemorate the surrender of Japanese military forces led by General Tomoyuki Yamashita at Camp John Hay in Baguio City on September 3, 1945.

View Statutevia elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

On September 3, we commemorate Yamashita Surrender Day, also known as the end of World War II in the Pacific. This day marks the official surrender of Japanese forces under General Tomoyuki Yamashita to the Allied powers, effectively ending the war and bringing peace to the region. It's a significant event in history that symbolizes unity and cooperation between nations. Let's take a moment to reflect on this historic day and honor those who sacrificed for peace and freedom.

TIMELINE

Yamashita Surrender Day Timeline

Japan Invades Manchuria

Japan's invasion of Manchuria marked the beginning of Japan's expansionist policies, setting the stage for World War II.

Pearl Harbor Attack

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor caused the United States to enter World War II.

Yamashita Takes Singapore

General Tomoyuki Yamashita led and won the Malayan Campaign, culminating in the fall of Singapore to Japan.

Atomic Bombs Dropped

The dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States marked a turning point in the war.

Emperor Hirohito's Surrender Broadcast

Emperor Hirohito announces the surrender of Japan to its people in a radio broadcast, marking the end of the war.

Yamashita's Formal Surrender

On September 3, General Tomoyuki Yamashita formally surrendered to the Allied powers, signifying the end of World War II in the Pacific.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Yamashita Surrender Day

Visit a historical site

On this day, take a trip to a historical site related to the Yamashita Surrender. This could be the USS Missouri where the official surrender took place or another location significant to the event.

WATCH

Watch a documentary

Spend some time learning about the history of Yamashita Surrender Day by watching a documentary. This can help deepen your understanding and appreciation for the event and its significance.

ATTEND

Attend a commemorative event

Many communities hold events to commemorate Yamashita Surrender Day. Attend one of these events to honor and remember this important moment in history.

LISTEN

Listen to survivor stories

Seek out and listen to survivor stories from those who were present during the Yamashita Surrender. Their firsthand accounts can provide a unique and personal perspective on the event.

REFLECT

Reflect and honor

Take a moment to reflect on the significance of Yamashita Surrender Day and honor those who were involved. This could be through a moment of silence, a prayer, or any other meaningful gesture.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Yamashita Surrender Day is Important

It honors the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians during the war

Yamashita Surrender Day is an opportunity to recognize and honor the bravery and sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians during World War II. It serves as a reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of working towards a peaceful future to prevent such devastation from happening again.

It marks the end of World War II

On September 2nd, 1945, the Japanese signed the document of unconditional surrender on board the USS Missouri, marking the official end of World War II. This event is significant in bringing peace to the world after years of devastating conflict.

It symbolizes reconciliation and forgiveness

Yamashita Surrender Day not only commemorates the end of the war, but also serves as a reminder of the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness. Despite past differences and conflicts, nations can come together and move forward towards a peaceful future.