Japan marks 81st anniv. of WWII end, without 'remorse' in PM's address

On August 15, Japan commemorated the 81st anniversary of its World War II surrender, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivering a peace-oriented address at a government-sponsored ceremony in Tokyo. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the event, honoring the estimated 2.3 million military personnel and 800,000 civilians who perished during the conflict that ended in 1945.

Takaichi, known for her pro-defensive stance on national security, participated in the ceremony for the first time since assuming office last October. In her speech, she emphasized Japan's commitment to global peace and prosperity, but avoided explicitly acknowledging the country's remorse for war or its past aggression in Asia, including China and the Korean Peninsula.

The Prime Minister's speech, which fell short of her predecessor Shigeru Ishiba's vow to remember Japan's remorse and pledge to renounce war, highlighted her government's focus on moving forward from the past. Both the emperor and empress expressed deep regret for the suffering caused during and after the war, urging future generations to pass down the memories of those who endured the conflict in hopes of achieving lasting peace.