On August 15, DPJ Secretary-General Azuma Koshiishi issued the following statement:

Today marks the 67th anniversary of the end of World War II. Together with all the people of Japan, I would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives during the war, both within Japan and abroad.

No matter how many years go by, we must never forget the tremendous suffering and devastation that the war caused in so many places around the world. We must face history directly with a strong will to prevent further tragedies, and based on the regrets and lessons learned, pool our wisdom toward the responsibility and mission of creating world peace.

When the Great East Japan Earthquake and nuclear power plant accident in Fukushima occurred last year, we received a great amount of support and encouragement from the international community. We should respond to such acts of goodwill by continuing our best efforts toward recovery from the disaster, striving to conclude the nuclear power plant accident and support the disaster’s victims. We should also continue to strengthen bonds with the international community and contribute to world peace and prosperity.

Sadly, there seems to be no end in sight to regional conflicts, terrorist attacks and the series of violent acts that continue to occur in our world. The threat of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction is a grave concern for the areas neighboring our country.

On this, the anniversary of the end of World War II, the Democratic Party of Japan pledges to exert its full efforts toward the realization of lasting peace by focusing on foreign diplomacy that reflects the ideals and strong will of Japanese people for peace, by cooperating with the international community, and undertaking countermeasures to resolve the challenges that lead to war.

The following English versions are available on the web as follows:

- Statement by the Chief Cabinet Secretary on the 67th Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead

http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/others/201208/14danwa_e.html