Japan on Saturday (Aug 15) marked 81 years since its surrender in World War II, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledging peace but not mentioning the nation's "remorse" in her address at the ceremony held in Tokyo.
The memorial service, one of Japan's most significant annual events, drew 4,180 attendees who gathered to honor the war dead at the Peace Memorial in the capital.
In her speech, Prime Minister Takaichi emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining peace and stability, expressing gratitude for the sacrifices of previous generations. However, her address notably omitted the term "remorse" that her predecessors often used on similar occasions.
The omission drew attention from observers, as Japan faces criticism from some Asian countries over its approach to wartime history. The absence of "remorse" from the speech could signal a shift in the new government's stance.
The memorial unfolded in a solemn atmosphere, with attendees observing a minute of silence at noon to remember more than 3 million Japanese who perished in the war. Similar events took place across the country.
