Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of the Pacific War (World War II) on Friday with a solemn memorial service held at Budokan Hall in central Tokyo. The event was attended by the Emperor and Empress, Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru, cabinet ministers, former prime ministers, politicians, and relatives of those who lost their lives in the war.

At noon, a moment of silence paused the day, honoring 80 years since Emperor Hirohito’s poignant radio broadcast declaring Japan’s surrender. As the clock chimed, people reflected on the lasting impact of that historic moment.

Emperor Naruhito, the grandson of wartime Emperor Hirohito, described the day as a “time to commemorate the war dead and pray for peace.” He expressed his thoughts for the many individuals who lost their lives in the last war, as well as for their bereaved families.

“Eighty years have passed since the end of the war,” he remarked. “Today, our country enjoys peace and prosperity, thanks to the tireless efforts of the people of Japan. When I reflect on the difficult journey endured by our citizens, I am filled with deep emotion.”

The Emperor expressed his hope to preserve the memories of the suffering during and after the war, highlighting the importance of unity for peace and future happiness. He reflected on Japan’s past with “deep remorse,” paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the conflict and praying for lasting world peace.

Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru recalled that over 3 million Japanese lives were lost during the Pacific War. He specifically remembered the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the air raids and naval bombardments on Japan’s cities, as well as the ground battles in Okinawa.

“Before the souls of all those who perished, I now offer my heartfelt prayers for their repose,” he stated. “We will never forget, even for a moment, that our country’s peace and prosperity today were built on the precious lives of those who died in the war and on a history of hardship.” 

“The majority of today’s generations have no experience of war. We must never repeat the horrors of war. We must never again err on the path we are taking. We must once again deeply etch in our hearts the remorse and lessons of that war.”

Ishiba said that the world was still suffering wars and other conflicts, and he aimed to help “eliminate division, encourage tolerance and carve out a better future for the current and future generations.”

Around 3,400 family members of those killed joined participants to mourn the 3.1 million war casualties in Japan, including the victims of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.