Today is VJ’s 77th day (Image: Prisma Bildagentur/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Today marks the 77th anniversary of Japan’s unconditional surrender and the end of World War II.

The war killed some 75 million people, including soldiers and innocent civilians, in 30 countries.

But how did the war end and why would the United States celebrate another date in Europe?

Everything you need to know is here.

When did World War II end?

World War II ended in 1945 after six years of fighting. But the exact date the war ended depends on the country of origin.

The war in Europe ended on May 8, which is celebrated annually as Victory in Europe Day (or VE Day).

World War II soldier celebrates with two women

The US and Europe celebrate different dates (Image: Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

However, in other parts of the world, such as the United States and Japan, the officially recognized date is September 2. This is called Victory Day (VJ Day) in the United States.

How did World War II end?

The war in Europe ended after the fall of the Soviet forces in Berlin, the suicide of Adolf Hitler and the unconditional surrender of Germany on May 8.

The Nazis were overthrown a year after Britain, France, the United States, Canada and other allies landed in Normandy, France. Two huge armies, approaching from the east and west, finally overwhelmed the Axis powers.

Elsewhere in the world, World War II ended when US General Douglas MacArthur accepted Japan’s formal surrender aboard the US battleship Missouri, anchored in Tokyo Bay.

The war between the United States and Japan began on December 7, 1941, with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

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The bombardment killed 77,500 civilians and injured many more, forcing Japan to surrender.

The day of Japan’s surrender is known as Victory over Japan Day or VJ Day.

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