On August 15, DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama issued the following statement:

Today, we have reached the 64th anniversary of the end of World War II. I would like to express my sincere condolences, along with the Japanese people, for all those who lost their lives in this conflict, both in Japan and overseas.

August 15 is a day when we remember those who lost their lives in World War II, and direct our thoughts to the scars of that conflict, which still remain today. I believe that it is the mission and responsibility entrusted to those of us alive in this modern era, to ensure that we never forget that terrible and senseless war, no matter how many years have passed, and face history head-on, using what we learn from that experience to build peace, in order that such a tragedy will never happen again.

Even in today’s world, conflicts, terrorism and violence are continually occurring, and we face the serious threat of weapons of mass destruction. The missile launches and nuclear experiments carried out by North Korea are a clear threat to our nation and to the international community, and cannot be permitted under any circumstances. We will liaise with the international community, and make every effort on behalf of world peace, as well as devoting all our strength to alleviate the threat from North Korea.
This April, US President Obama proclaimed his intention to work toward a “nuclear-free world”. The world is now taking this opportunity to move toward the abolition of nuclear weapons. As the only nation to have suffered the effects of the atomic bomb, the abolition of nuclear weapons is a fervent wish shared by all the citizens of Japan. We are prepared to overcome any difficulties, and to aim determinedly for progress. We will join hands with President Obama and call for the abolition of nuclear weapons.

On this anniversary of the end of World War II, the Democratic Party of Japan has renewed its determination to face our past history squarely, to continue with our efforts to connect our reflections and the lessons learnt from this with peace for future generations and to work to build world peace together with the international community. We vow to strive to realise these goals.