Japan PM voices remorse for WWII on surrender date
People release white doves during a ceremony at the controversial Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, on August 15, to mark the 63rd anniversary of the end of World War II. (AFP/Ken Shimizu)
Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda bows in front of the main altar decorated with a huge bed of chrysanthemums as Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko look on during the memorial service at the Budokan martial arts hall in Tokyo Friday, Aug. 15, 2008 to mark the 63rd anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)
TOKYO - Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on Friday expressed Japan’s remorse for pain inflicted on other countries as the nation marked the anniversary of defeat in World War II.
Fukuda, known for his conciliatory views on history issues, took part in a nationally broadcast annual memorial service in the presence of Emperor Akihito, whose father Hirohito surrendered exactly 63 years ago.
“The nation inflicted significant damages and pain on many countries, especially on people in Asian countries,” Fukuda said.