WW2-ANNIVERSARY/JAPAN-MEMORIAL Japan marks the 70th anniversary of the end of WW2 with a memorial

Record ID: 143812

  • Title: WW2-ANNIVERSARY/JAPAN-MEMORIAL Japan marks the 70th anniversary of the end of WW2 with a memorial
  • Date: 15th August 2015
  • Summary: FLOWER ON ALTAR PEOPLE OFFERING FLOWERS TO THE MONUMENT
  • Embargoed: 30th August 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Japan
  • Country: Japan
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVAMDRCHLGSMG5D1ANHPNY5XKM2
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Japanese Emperor Akihito and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended a memorial ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two on Saturday (August 15) along with thousands of war veterans, widows and their families.
    During the ceremony held annually at Nihon-Budokan arena, Akihito expressed "deep remorse" over the past war.
    "Looking back at the past, together with deep remorse over the war, I pray that this tragedy of war will not be repeated and together with the people, express my deep condolences for those who fell in battle and in the ravages of war," Akihito, 81, said. His remark, a departure from his annual script, could be seen as a subtle rebuke of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
    Abe on Friday (August 14) expressed "utmost grief," but said future generations should not have to keep apologizing for the mistakes of the past. He offered no fresh apology of his own.
    The soft-spoken Akihito has often urged Japan not to forget the suffering of the war and tried to promote reconciliation with Asian countries. His comments have attracted increased attention at a time when Abe appears to be pushing for a less apologetic tone towards Japan's past.
    Akihito had expressed remorse before, but not at the annual service. The constitution bans the emperor from any political role, so his remarks need to be carefully nuanced.
    Abe, who also spoke in the ceremony, said Japan will face up to the past, but made no apologies.
    "We'll stay on the same course. We'll face up to the past and maintain our humble attitude," Abe said.
    "Marking the 70th year from the end of the war, I pledge that Japan will not repeat the ravages of war. I'll endeavor to open up a new future for the generations of present and the future," he added.
    The legacy of the war still haunts relations with China and South Korea, which suffered under Japan's sometimes brutal occupation and colonial rule before Tokyo's defeat in 1945.
    One of the families of war dead who attended the ceremony agreed that Japan should not repeat history.
    "We should never have to experience the war ever again. It's miserable, incredibly miserable," said 86-year-old Yasuhiro Marumoto from Yamaguchi Prefecture, western Japan.
    Some said they feel obliged to educate the young generations about the horrors of war.
    "I think it's our obligation to tell the young generations the disastrousness of war," 70-year-old Teruo Imaoka said.
    "I've told my grandchildren never to go to war because it takes away all happiness from everyone," said 79-year-old Yasuko Marumoto.
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