Address by Prime Minister Kishida at the Seventy-Ninth National Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead

[Provisional translation]

In the gracious presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, and with the attendance of bereaved families of the war dead, distinguished representatives of all sectors of society, and many others, I hereby commence the annual National Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead. 

More than three million of our compatriots lost their lives during the war. 

Some fell on the battlefields worrying about the future of their homeland and wishing for the happiness of their families. Others perished in remote foreign countries after the war. And many fell victim to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the air raids on numerous cities, and the ground battles in Okinawa, among others. Here, before the souls of all who lost their lives, I offer my heartfelt prayers for their repose. 

We will not forget, even for a moment, that the peace and prosperity that Japan enjoys today was built atop the precious lives and the history of suffering of the war dead. I express my deepest respect and gratitude once more. 

Never will we forget the large number of war dead whose remains have still not been recovered. We will continue to spare no effort to collect the remains of the war dead in an intensive manner and return them to their hometowns at the earliest possible time, taking it as the responsibility of the nation. 

Since the end of the war, Japan has consistently walked the path of a peace-loving nation. Taking the lessons of history deeply into our hearts, we have made all possible efforts for world peace and prosperity. 

We must never again repeat the devastation of war. Although 79 years have now passed, no matter how time flows, we will remain committed to this resolute pledge, passing it down across generations. In this world in which tragic conflicts have not yet ceased, Japan will do its utmost to resolve the various challenges facing the world as it works to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law while placing human dignity at the very center. In this way we will carve out the future of our nation. 

I will conclude my address by once again offering my heartfelt prayers for the repose of the souls of the war dead and for the happiness of the members of their bereaved families. 

KISHIDA Fumio 
Prime Minister of Japan 
August 15, 2024