VJ Day 80

What is VJ Day?

Victory over Japan (VJ) Day commemorates the day Imperial Japan surrendered, effectively ending the Second World War on 15 August 1945.

National VJ Day 80 Campaign

National Two-Minute Silence: At 12:00 noon on 15 August 2025, the UK will observe a nationwide two-minute silence to honour the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. Visit the government website for further information on the national two-minute silence.

Educational Resources: "Our Shared Story" offers schools and young people a comprehensive education pack, including lesson plans, documentary films, Q&As with historians, and the song I’ll Remember for assemblies. Register and download via the national platform VE / VJ DAY 80 Our Shared Story: Education Pack.

Letters to Loved Ones: You can share or view wartime letters from the VE/VJ generation, in partnership with Imperial War Museums. Add your family letters to help preserve personal wartime stories Letters to Loved Ones – VE Day and VJ Day 80.

Toolkit & Branding Material: Ashford or community groups can download the official VJ Day 80 Toolkit, including logos, bunting templates, and activity sheets, for local commemorations. Use the materials per DCMS guidelines Toolkit – VE Day and VJ Day 80.

Tip Top Towns: Decorate Ashford for VJ Day and share via #VE80, #VJ80 or #Victory80—earn a certificate and feature on the interactive national map Tip Top Towns – VE Day and VJ Day 80.