People in Japan are observing a solemn 78th anniversary on Tuesday. On August 15, 1945, a statement from Emperor Showa was broadcast on the radio, announcing that the country had surrendered in World War Two.

Every year, the Japanese government organizes a ceremony in Tokyo to remember the approximately 3.1 million people who died in the war.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio will deliver a speech. At noon, participants will observe a minute of silence. Emperor Naruhito will then make an address.

The number of the victims' relatives invited to the ceremony this year is the largest since the coronavirus started spreading. People from all 47 prefectures were scheduled to attend for the first time in four years.

But the health and welfare ministry says that as of Sunday evening, relatives from nine prefectures had decided not to take part due to Typhoon Lan.

More than 75 percent of the relatives of the war dead who were planning to attend the ceremony as of Sunday evening are 70 or older.

Japan faces the major challenge of passing on experiences of the war to future generations, as there is a shrinking number of people alive who experienced it.

Many other events to reflect on peace will also be held across the country on the day.