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Prime Minister Attends the Memorial Ceremony
for the War Dead
The annual Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead was held in the Nippon Budokan in Kitanomaru Park in Tokyo, in the presence of Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan. The ceremony marks the Day to Commemorate the War Dead and Pray for Peace, as well as the 62nd anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Approximately 5,400 people participated, including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, 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 sympathy to all those people who lost their lives in the last world war. After the singing of the national anthem, Prime Minister Abe gave his address, saying, "During the war, more than three million people died, including those who fell on the battlefields while thinking of their homeland and their families. Among the war dead were those who perished amid the destruction of the war and those who lost their lives during the aftermath of the war in remote foreign countries. Moreover, Japan caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations. On behalf of the people of Japan, I express my feelings of profound remorse and sincere mourning for all the victims of the war." As the clock struck noon, heartfelt prayers were offered to all of the war dead for the repose of their souls. Following the address of His Majesty The Emperor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the House of Councillors, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the representatives of the bereaved family members of war dead each gave their memorial address and offered flowers.
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