Japan’s Emperor Attends War Victim Memorial

The Emperor of Japan today attended a memorial service at the Budokan Martial Arts Arena in Tokyo, to commemorate victims of war.

Emperor Akihito was joined by his wife, Empress Michiko, for the annual service. It takes place each year on August 15th, the anniversary of the day Japan surrendered to the Allied Forces in World War II.

The pair offered silent prayers, leading 6,000 people in a minute’s silence. The Emperor made a few brief remarks, including, “I pray for world peace and our country’s further prosperity.”

Also attending the ceremony was Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who delivered the traditional Prime Minister’s speech. He broke with tradition, however, by failing to express remorse over Japanese aggression in Asia in his speech. This was the first time in twenty years that a Prime Minister has not done so at this particular memorial service.

Filed under Japan
Tagged Emperor Akihito of Japan, Empress Michiko of Japan, Memorial, Prime Minister Abe of Japan, World War II.

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