TOKYO World War II ended 75 years ago, but not all countries commemorate it on the same day. But some nations mark Aug. 15 as the wars end, the day Japan's emperor made a speech announcing the surrender. Some countries, including Britain, Australia, the Netherlands and the Koreas, mark Japan's surrender on Aug. 15. A: The countries that observe Aug. 15 mark Japan's public announcement of its surrender. A: The official signing of Japan's surrender ordered that the country must cease all military actions, liberate prisoners of war and others in captivity and follow other terms.