Japan marked 81 years since its surrender in World War II on Saturday, with Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi leading a national ceremony in Tokyo to honour the war dead and renew calls for peace.
Footage shows Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako bowing during the memorial ceremony as attendees observe a moment of silence. Takaichi and other officials are later seen laying flowers at the memorial.
“Reflecting on our past and bearing in mind feelings of deep remorse, I earnestly hope that the ravages of war will never again be repeated,” the Emperor said.
“Together with all our people, I now pay my heartfelt tribute to all those who lost their lives in the war, both on the battlefields and elsewhere, and pray for world peace and for the continued development of our country,” he continued.
The annual memorial at Tokyo’s Nippon Budokan brought together bereaved families, senior officials and representatives from across Japan.
“We must never again repeat the ravages of war. Although 81 years have passed since the war ended, no matter how much time goes by, we will uphold and pass on this resolute vow across generations,” Takaichi said.
The prime minister also said Japan could play a greater role in tackling challenges around the world.
“It can become a trusted nation – a shining beacon in the Indo-Pacific. We will build a Japan that offers hope to both present and future generations, and a society where people can live in safety and peace of mind,” she added.
Around 3.1 million Japanese military personnel and civilians died during the war.
On August 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito announced Japan’s acceptance of the Allied surrender terms in a radio broadcast, bringing the country’s wartime fighting to an end.
The anniversary again exposed divisions over Japan’s wartime memory. Takaichi stayed away from Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine but sent a monetary offering, while Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and several other cabinet members visited.
The shrine honours around 2.5 million war dead, including 14 convicted Class-A war criminals. China condemned the visits and offering and lodged a formal protest with Japan.
Source: Viory
