Japan’s Emperor Reiterates Deep Remorse over World War II

August 15, 2018

Tokyo- Japan's Emperor Akihito reiterated his deep remorse over World War II as the country renewed its pledge not to repeat a war at an annual war memorial ceremony in Tokyo on Wednesday.

"My thoughts are with the numerous people who lost their precious lives in the last war and their bereaved families," the Emperor said at the government-sponsored ceremony to mark the 73rd anniversary of the country's surrender in World War II.

"Reflecting on our past and bearing in mind the feelings of deep remorse, I earnestly hope that the ravages of war will never be repeated," the Emperor said in his last address at the annual event as he is scheduled to abdicate on April 30 next year.

The Emperor said he prays "for world peace and for the continuing development of our country." He used the word remorse in his address at the event for the fourth straight year.

In his speech, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the peace and prosperity that the country enjoys at this moment was "built atop the precious sacrifices of those who sacrificed their lives."

"We will never repeat the devastation of war," Abe said, adding, "Humbly facing history, we are determined never to deviate from this pledge, no matter what the era may bring."

He again stopped short of expressing "profound remorse" over the "tremendous damage and suffering" caused by Japan to the people of neighboring countries during the war, words mentioned by his predecessors in their World War II-end anniversary speeches.

The ceremony was attended by about 7,000 people, who offered a minute of silence at noon (3 a.m. GMT) for some 3.1 million war dead.

"We will make unremitting efforts to pass on the importance of world peace and lives on to the next generation," said Kimio Suzuki, 75, from Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, in an address on behalf of bereaved relatives. His father died in the war on the island of Tinian in the Northern Marianas.

The ceremony was attended by 5,236 bereaved relatives, according to the welfare ministry.

The oldest participant was Harumi Serigano, 102, a resident of Tokyo's Nerima Ward. She lost her husband in the Battle of Okinawa, a savage ground battle. The youngest participant was two years old. Jiji Press