Emperor Naruhito said: “After the war, we think of the years and months of peace, but looking back, with deep regret, I sincerely wish that the horrors of war do not repeat. I express, along with all the people, my sorrow for all those who fell during and amidst the war, and I pray for peace around the world and greater development of our country.”
Ishiba made this statement during a funeral ceremony dedicated to the memory of those who died during World War II on the 80th anniversary of Emperor Hirohito’s announcement of the end of the war from Japan in 1945, as reported by NHK television channel.
Emperor Hirohito, the grandfather of the current Emperor Naruhito, declared the end of the war on August 15, 1945, acknowledging defeat. On the previous day, Japan time, Japan agreed to the Potsdam Declaration, which demanded its surrender. Japan’s surrender was signed on September 2, 1945.
Every year, on August 15, Japan holds a ceremony to commemorate the victims of World War II.
