The BBC has announced its full programme of coverage of the 80th anniversary of VJ Day.
VJ (Victory in Japan) Day marked Japan’s surrender in the Second World War on 15 August 1945, finally bringing the conflict to an end after six years of war.
Tim Davie, Director-General of the BBC, said: "The 80th anniversary of VJ Day is a moment to honour the courage and sacrifice of all who served in the Far East during the Second World War. Through powerful stories and testimonies across our coverage, the BBC is proud to be able to pay tribute to these men and women and ensure that their service, bravery and fortitude are remembered."
What is the BBC's 80th anniversary VJ Day coverage?
The BBC will air VJ Day: The Nation’s Tribute on BBC One from 11.30am-1pm on Friday 15 August 2025.
The broadcaster will air the special service of remembrance held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
The service will feature personal testimonies and reflections from the last surviving veterans of the conflict, as they reflect on being part of what is often called a ‘forgotten army’.
There will be readings, musical performances and traditional military remembrance moments including The Last Post performed by The Royal Marine Buglers, a piper’s lament performed by The Brigade of the Gurkhas and a tribute from the Red Arrows and a traditional Second World War flypast. There will also be a national two minutes silence.
Other BBC cover of the VJ Day anniversary includes:
- A special episode of The One Show, airing on BBC One on Thursday 14 August. Broadcast live from the National Memorial Arboretum, the programme will feature an interview with Daisling Limbu, a former member of The Brigade of the Gurkhas whose father Birdhoi also served with the Gurkhas during the Second World War. Daisling wants to track down his father’s missing military medals, and discovers the vital role he played in the events leading up to VJ Day.
- A special episode of The Antiques Roadshow, also filmed at the National Memorial Arboretum. The programme will feature interviews with Naval Officer Bill Redston and Private Joseph Hammond, both veterans of the conflict; Michiko Hattori, a survivor of the US atomic bombing of Japan; and members of the public sharing personal family mementoes from the war in the Far East.
- The Second Map, a new podcast from BBC Sounds airing on Friday 15 August uncovering Britain’s role in the war against Japan and featuring never-before-heard testimonies from veterans, civilians, and their descendants.
- VJ Day 80: We Were There, a documentary featuring first-hand accounts from the last veterans of the war, airing on BBC Two at 9pm on Wednesday 13 August.
