The fighting stopped long ago, but the millions killed continue to be remembered. Japan is marking 78 years since World War Two. It regards August 15, 1945, as the end of the conflict. That's the day the public learned that Japan had surrendered.
About 1,800 people attended the government's annual memorial ceremony in Tokyo. They included bereaved families of the war dead. There was a bigger crowd this year now that coronavirus measures have been eased. But some had to cancel due to the severe tropical storm ripping through the country's west.
The moment of silence at noon honored the war dead. About 2.3 million were soldiers and others involved in the Imperial Japanese military. About 800,000 civilians also died.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako took part in the ceremony. Emperor Naruhito said " Looking back on the long period of post-war peace, reflecting on our past and bearing in mind the feelings of deep remorse, I earnestly hope that the ravages of war will never again be repeated. 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 continuing developments of our country."
Prime Minister Kishida Fumio reiterated Japan's pledge to never again repeat the devastation of war. He says the push for peace will continue.
Kishida said " Japan is determined to work with the international community and do its utmost to resolve the various challenges facing the world.
About three quarters of the relatives of the war dead who attended the ceremony are over 70 years old.
Yokota Teruo's father died in battle. He used part of his speech to draw attention to another conflict.
Yokota said," Russia's invasion of Ukraine is outrageous. The devastation reminds us of the past war. Japan can play a significant role toward achieving peace in the current situation."
Events to mark the end of World War Two, remember the lives lost, and reflect on peace are being held throughout the day, across Japan.
About 1,800 people attended the government's annual memorial ceremony in Tokyo. They included bereaved families of the war dead. There was a bigger crowd this year now that coronavirus measures have been eased. But some had to cancel due to the severe tropical storm ripping through the country's west.
The moment of silence at noon honored the war dead. About 2.3 million were soldiers and others involved in the Imperial Japanese military. About 800,000 civilians also died.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako took part in the ceremony. Emperor Naruhito said " Looking back on the long period of post-war peace, reflecting on our past and bearing in mind the feelings of deep remorse, I earnestly hope that the ravages of war will never again be repeated. 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 continuing developments of our country."
Prime Minister Kishida Fumio reiterated Japan's pledge to never again repeat the devastation of war. He says the push for peace will continue.
Kishida said " Japan is determined to work with the international community and do its utmost to resolve the various challenges facing the world.
About three quarters of the relatives of the war dead who attended the ceremony are over 70 years old.
Yokota Teruo's father died in battle. He used part of his speech to draw attention to another conflict.
Yokota said," Russia's invasion of Ukraine is outrageous. The devastation reminds us of the past war. Japan can play a significant role toward achieving peace in the current situation."
Events to mark the end of World War Two, remember the lives lost, and reflect on peace are being held throughout the day, across Japan.
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Summary
78th anniversary of World War Two's end in Japan; government memorial ceremony held with 1,800 attendees. Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Kishida emphasized the importance of peace, with Kishida pledging to work with the international community. The majority of attendees were over 70 years old,
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ID: ef10982b-8667-4eba-9030-6613bde9443c
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230815_18/
Date: Aug. 15, 2023
Created: 2023/08/15 14:24
Updated: 2025/12/09 01:05
Last Read: 2023/08/15 17:24