Prime Minister Naoto Kan attended the annual Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead held in the Nippon Budokan, in the presence of Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan.

Approximately 6,000 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 people who lost their lives in the last world war.

Prime Minister Kan gave his address, saying, "Today armed conflicts remain rife around the world. At this memorial ceremony today, Japan renews its pledge not to engage in war and vows once more to spare no effort for the establishment of eternal world peace so that the horrors of war are not repeated."

As the clock struck noon, all the 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 their memorial address. The participants then offered flowers.