The commemorative service took place in the Nippon Budokan hall of this capital with the presence of more than 1,800 people, including representatives of the imperial house and mourning relatives from several prefectures.

Emperor Naruhito delivered a speech in which he mentioned that the nation’s peace and prosperity have been the result of the tireless efforts of its citizens, despite the hardships endured after the war. He also emphasized the importance of looking back and reflecting deeply on the past so that the horrors of war are not repeated.

“Together with the people of Japan, I offer my sincere condolences to the fallen in combat and pray for world peace and the further development of our country,” he said.

For his part, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stressed that Japan, under the banner of proactive pacifism, will join efforts with the international community to try to solve the diverse conflicts around the world.

Early in the morning, local time, the head of government sent a floral offering to the Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo, where the souls of the fallen in the aforementioned conflagration are honored.

Japan’s 14 war criminals, including former Prime Minister General Hideki Tojo, are also among the names memorialized at Yasukuni.

As such, the Japanese leaders’ visit to the temple is controversial in the eyes of some of neighbors such as China and South Korea.

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