Post by Linalin on Aug 15, 2005 13:50:55 GMT -5
TOKYO — Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi offered an apology Monday for Japan's wartime military aggression and vowed the country would never wage war again, instead striving to maintain the path of a peace-cherishing nation. Speaking before a government-sponsored memorial service at the Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo, Koizumi expressed renewed remorse for the war, saying, "We will do our utmost to further develop friendly relations with the rest of the world and gain more trust from the world as a nation that cherishes peace."
His remarks at the memorial service — the fifth time for him to attend in his capacity as prime minister — were similar to a statement he issued earlier in the day following the cabinet's endorsement of it.
In the statement, the premier said Japan's colonial rule and invasion "caused tremendous damage and pain to the peoples of many countries, especially Asian countries."
"Humbly acknowledging such facts of history, I once again reflect most deeply and offer apologies from my heart," he said, renewing his pledge that Japan shall "never again follow the path toward war."
The annual memorial service was held for nearly one hour from around 11:50 a.m. in remembrance of some 2.3 million soldiers and army civilian personnel, and 800,000 civilians who perished in the war.
About 7,500 people, including members of bereaved families, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, and representatives of government, business and other circles, attended the annual ceremony.
A one-minute silent prayer was offered at noon after the Japanese national anthem was played and Koizumi delivered his address. At noon on Aug 15, 1945, then Emperor Hirohito made a historic radio address announcing Japan's surrender.
Following a moment of silence, Emperor Akihito voiced strong hope that Japan will never again wage war, saying, "Looking back on history, I ardently hope that the horrors of war will never be repeated."
Earlier Monday, Koizumi visited the tomb of unknown soldiers at Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery, where he offered flowers. The cemetery is where the remains of unknown soldiers of World War II are honored.
Representing the bereaved families in the ceremony, 75-year-old Takao Yorimitsu vowed to carry on the will of the people who have died in the war.
"With a renewed determination, we vow that each and every citizen will protect the peace and freedom that you had wished for more than anything else," Yorimitsu, a resident of Kochi Prefecture, said in a message to those who died in the war.
Yorimitsu lost his father in China in the war. His father was a member of the Imperial Japanese Army.
Ninety-seven percent of bereaved relatives who attended the ceremony were aged 60 and older, with the oldest being 95-year-old Isamu Tanaka, who lost his older brother, and the youngest being 6-year-old Yuki Morisawa, whose great-grandfather was killed in the war.
Elsewhere in Tokyo, war victims' relatives and civic groups marked the anniversary by taking to the streets or holding meetings with the aim of protecting Japan's pacifist postwar Constitution.
Nearly 300 people gathered at a conference sponsored by a group of bereaved families of the war at the Japan Education Center in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, demanding that Koizumi stop visiting Yasukuni Shrine and consider the feelings of other Asian countries that suffered under Japanese aggression. (Kyodo News)
His remarks at the memorial service — the fifth time for him to attend in his capacity as prime minister — were similar to a statement he issued earlier in the day following the cabinet's endorsement of it.
In the statement, the premier said Japan's colonial rule and invasion "caused tremendous damage and pain to the peoples of many countries, especially Asian countries."
"Humbly acknowledging such facts of history, I once again reflect most deeply and offer apologies from my heart," he said, renewing his pledge that Japan shall "never again follow the path toward war."
The annual memorial service was held for nearly one hour from around 11:50 a.m. in remembrance of some 2.3 million soldiers and army civilian personnel, and 800,000 civilians who perished in the war.
About 7,500 people, including members of bereaved families, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, and representatives of government, business and other circles, attended the annual ceremony.
A one-minute silent prayer was offered at noon after the Japanese national anthem was played and Koizumi delivered his address. At noon on Aug 15, 1945, then Emperor Hirohito made a historic radio address announcing Japan's surrender.
Following a moment of silence, Emperor Akihito voiced strong hope that Japan will never again wage war, saying, "Looking back on history, I ardently hope that the horrors of war will never be repeated."
Earlier Monday, Koizumi visited the tomb of unknown soldiers at Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery, where he offered flowers. The cemetery is where the remains of unknown soldiers of World War II are honored.
Representing the bereaved families in the ceremony, 75-year-old Takao Yorimitsu vowed to carry on the will of the people who have died in the war.
"With a renewed determination, we vow that each and every citizen will protect the peace and freedom that you had wished for more than anything else," Yorimitsu, a resident of Kochi Prefecture, said in a message to those who died in the war.
Yorimitsu lost his father in China in the war. His father was a member of the Imperial Japanese Army.
Ninety-seven percent of bereaved relatives who attended the ceremony were aged 60 and older, with the oldest being 95-year-old Isamu Tanaka, who lost his older brother, and the youngest being 6-year-old Yuki Morisawa, whose great-grandfather was killed in the war.
Elsewhere in Tokyo, war victims' relatives and civic groups marked the anniversary by taking to the streets or holding meetings with the aim of protecting Japan's pacifist postwar Constitution.
Nearly 300 people gathered at a conference sponsored by a group of bereaved families of the war at the Japan Education Center in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, demanding that Koizumi stop visiting Yasukuni Shrine and consider the feelings of other Asian countries that suffered under Japanese aggression. (Kyodo News)
