Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the annual Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead held at the Nippon Budokan, in the presence of Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan.
August 15 has been designated as the Day to Commemorate the War Dead and Pray for Peace, in order to pay respect to those who lost their lives in the last World War and to pray for peace.
Approximately 6,500 people participated in the ceremony, including the Prime Minister of Japan, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the House of Councillors, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, representatives of related organizations, and bereaved family members. Participants offered their heartfelt respects to all those who lost their lives in the last World War.
After the Prime Minister's address, as the clock struck noon, all participants offered a minute of silent prayer, followed by the address of His Majesty The Emperor. Afterwards, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the House of Councillors, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the representative of the bereaved family members of the war dead each gave a memorial address. The participants then offered flowers.