Participants entering the Nippon Budokan on August 15. (© Kyodo)
On August 15, Japan remembered the 79th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Over 4,000 people from all over Japan — the highest number since 2019 — gathered at the Nippon Budokan for the annual official ceremony. Participants included the Emperor and Empress of Japan, the Prime Minister and other government members. Families of the war dead were also there, among others.
At noon, there was one minute of silence to commemorate the over 3.1 million people, both civilians and military, estimated to have died in the conflict.
Nearby, at Yasukuni Shrine, people also braved the oppressive heat to pay their respects. Sanae Takaichi, Minister in charge of Economic Security, was among them.
Message from Emperor Naruhito, PM Kishida
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's attendance brought solemnity to the occasion.
"On this day, I would like to renew my expression of deep sorrow for the many people who lost their inestimable lives in World War II and convey my condolences to their bereaved families," he said in his opening remarks.
The Emperor delivered his message to the Japanese people and the world. In them, he highlighted Japan's continuous pursuit of peace in the postwar period.
"Over the 79 years since the war ended, the tireless efforts of the people of Japan have brought about the peace and prosperity that we enjoy today," he told his countrymen. "I am deeply moved when I reflect on the many hardships endured."
Expressing his "sincere hope that the horrors of war will never be repeated," he called on everyone to pray for peace going forward. "I earnestly hope that we will all continue to unite our hearts and minds in our quest for peace and happiness for all people in the future."
The Prime Minister's Message of Peace
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also paid his respects. His appearance came just a day after announcing that he would step down from his role in September.
Remembering those who perished in the conflict, Kishida said:
"To those who fell on the battlefield, who died in distant foreign lands after the war, to those who perished following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, or the bombing in various cities, or the battle in Okinawa. I pray from my heart that all the spirits of the dead may now rest in peace."
He also highlighted the government's efforts to collect the remains of war dead from around Japan and Asia.
"We haven't forgotten that many remains have still not been recovered. It's the government's responsibility to keep working to gather the remains and bring them to their home country as soon as possible."
Reflecting on the current global political climate, Kishida stressed Japan's continuing commitment to peace.
"In a world where tragic conflicts continue unabated, Japan will do its utmost to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law," he said. Kishida concluded: "We resolve to keep working on the various challenges facing the world by putting human dignity at the center, and tracing a path for the future of the nation."
The Next Generation
Some of the most poignant words came from the bereaved families.
Representing the family association, Mitsuru Anzai spoke of the importance of praying for peace. Anzai, now 86, was only five years old when his father died of disease while serving in the war effort.
"We know firsthand the importance of peace. In the world, wars are still raging and many victims of wars are still suffering. And we can only hope that peace will be realized as soon as possible."
Speaking about passing the baton to the next generation, Anzai said: "Today, as memories fade and opportunities to pass on lessons are disappearing, it is our mission, as bereaved families, to pass on the lessons to our children and grandchildren."
Bereaved families from the younger generations were also present. Journalists spoke to the family of Sena Sakai, who is only three years old. His great-great-grandfather, Rinosuke Ichimaru, died in battle in March 1945.
Sakai's mother spoke on his behalf about learning the lessons of the war.
"I don't think my son understands the war yet, but I have told him that he will attend the ceremony, and I think he will gradually come to understand. …I want to teach him that being able to now live in safety and peace is not something we should take for granted."
Lest We Forget
Earlier in the morning, Shoji Nagaya sat calmly in front of reporters. Coming from Hokkaido, in Northern Japan, he explained that, at the age of 97 years, walking these days can feel like quite an achievement.
Nevertheless, Nagaya, with remarkable lucidity, highlighted the significance the remembrance ceremony holds for him. He has not missed this occasion in the last ten years. Moreover, in the past, he has sometimes been the only participant from Hokkaido.
Nagaya lost his brother, Tamotsu, in the war. His brother died in 1945 in China, after contracting tuberculosis during his deployment there.
Therefore, Nagaya highlighted the personal importance the ceremony has for him. "I see it as my mission as a surviving family member to honor my brother and those who died in the war. As long as I live, I would like to participate in the memorial service."
Reflecting on conflicts in other places in the world, he added:
"I will never forget the fear I felt when I experienced air raids and the sound of explosions. There are many people today who don't know the horror of war. War must never be fought."
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Author: Arielle Busetto
