Emperor Akihito of Japan expressed “deep remorse” for wartime actions of Japan during WW-II. Japan is marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the second world war.
The Emperor words came at the same moment in 1945 when his father Hirohito had announced Japan’s surrender.
What did the Emperor say?
“Reflecting on our past and bearing in mind the feelings of deep remorse over the last war, I earnestly hope that the ravages of war will never be repeated”.
Importance of the event
- The emperor’s words has a special significance because the Prime Minister Abe has been seeking to reinterpret Japan’s pacifist constitution to make it easier for its armed forces to fight.
- Earlier, Mr Abe had issued a statement in which he avoided giving his own clear apology. He had upheld the forms of past statements of remorse, but said that the country did not intend to keep apologising forever.
