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On August 15, Prime Minister Naoto Kan attended a national memorial service for the war dead, and made an address on behalf of the government.
At a ceremony attended by the Emperor and Empress, as well as relatives of the war dead and dignitaries from various fields, Kan said, “When I remember with regret the more than three million people who, with their native land in their hearts and filled with anxiety for their families, perished on the battlefield, suffered the horrors of war, or lost their lives in foreign lands after the end of the war, an infinite feeling of intense sorrow wells up within me. I would like once more to express my heartfelt wish that the dead may rest in peace.”
Kan went on to pay his deepest respects to the bereaved families who had lost their beloved relatives, and overcome many difficulties despite feeling an incurable sorrow. He said, “During the war, we caused great damage and suffering to many nations, and in particular to the people of Asia. I would like to express our deep regret, and offer our sincere condolences to the victims and their families.”
Kan added, “Following the war, each citizen of our nation, supported by the friendly relations we enjoy with various countries and regions, has made every effort to overcome various difficulties and we have succeeded in moving down the path to become a peaceful nation. From now on also, we must humbly reflect on the past, and continue to communicate the lesson learned from this terrible war.”
In conclusion, Kan said, “Even now, countless armed conflicts are being waged around the world. On the occasion of this memorial ceremony, I would like to renew our vow never to wage war, and to promise that we will do our utmost to achieve eternal world peace, so that the devastation of war will never be repeated.”
The ceremony was also attended by members of the Kan Cabinet, and by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the House of Councillors.
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