The BBC has announced a comprehensive slate of special programming across television, radio, and online to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, honouring the end of the Second World War and the often-overlooked conflict in the Far East.
The centrepiece will be a live commemorative event, VJ Day 80: The Nation's Tribute, broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer from the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on 15 August. Produced by BBC Studios Events on behalf of the Royal British Legion, the event will be attended by some of the last surviving Second World War veterans of the Far East and Pacific campaigns.
BBC News will provide extensive coverage, with live reports from the Arboretum on BBC Breakfast and the News at One, while the News at Six and Ten will be presented live from the site on 15 August. The BBC News website will host a dedicated live page with rolling updates.
Radio programming includes a special edition of Any Questions? from the REME Museum on Radio 4, and a live broadcast from the historic Cabinet War Rooms on Radio 5 Live. BBC Sounds will launch The History Podcast: The Second Map, a three-part series presented by Kavita Puri, uncovering untold stories of Britain's war against Japan through first-hand testimonies.
BBC Archive will surface rare footage, photography, and audio from its historical collections, including digitised material from the Burma campaign and first-hand reports from Hiroshima. Younger audiences can learn about VJ Day through special explainers on Newsround.
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.'
