Japan marked the 80th anniversary of its World War II surrender, a somber occasion that saw Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba express “remorse” for the first time since 2013. Over 4,500 officials and families observed a moment of silence in Tokyo’s Budokan hall.
Ishiba pledged to pass on Japan’s wartime lessons to future generations, vowing to achieve lasting peace. However, his visit was overshadowed by growing concern over fading wartime memories. Meanwhile, dozens of Japanese right-wing politicians visited the Yasukuni Shrine, sparking controversy among neighboring countries.
The shrine has been criticized for honoring convicted war criminals, a point that Japan’s neighbors China and South Korea have long emphasized. Since 2013, Japanese prime ministers have avoided apologizing to WWII victims, sparking criticism from lawmakers who deny Japan’s military role in atrocities such as the Nanking Massacre.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/2025/08/15/japan-pm-ishiba-expresses-remorse-on-world-war-ii-surrender-anniversary