Address by Prime Minister Takaichi at the Eighty-First National Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead

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.

Approximately 3.1 million of our compatriots lost their lives during the last war.

Some fell on the battlefields worrying about the future of their homeland and wishing for the happiness of their beloved families. Others fell victim to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the air raids on cities throughout Japan, and the ground battles in Okinawa, among other tragedies. Still others passed away after the end of the war in distant foreign lands. Standing now before the souls of all those who lost their lives, I offer my heartfelt prayers for their eternal repose.

We will never forget that the peace and prosperity that Japan enjoys today was built atop the precious lives and the history of suffering of the war dead. Once again, I offer my deepest respect and heartfelt gratitude.

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 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 nation that values peace and has devoted itself to contributing to peace and prosperity throughout the world. We will never allow the horrors of war to be repeated. Eighty-one years have passed since the end of the war, but no matter how much time passes, we will carry forward this unwavering pledge from generation to generation and remain steadfast in upholding it.

Japan can play an important role in addressing the various challenges facing countries around the world.

Japan can become a trusted nation, serving as a shining beacon in the Indo-Pacific.

We will build a Japan in which both the generations of today and those of the future can have hope, and a society in which all can live in safety and with peace of mind.

In closing, I offer my heartfelt prayers for the repose of the souls of the war dead and for the continued good health of their bereaved families.