Japan: 80 years after 1945, the emperor evokes historical pain

Tens of thousands of Japanese flocked Friday to a controversial Tokyo sanctuary. Therefore, 80 years after the surrender of Japan in 1945. For example, Not far from there, the emperor Naruhito expressed his “deep regret” for this part of history. Consequently, – Japan: 80 years after 1945,

(Keystone-ATS) The Shinto sanctuary of Yasukuni, at the center of the Japanese capital, honors 2.5 million soldiers who have died since the end of the 19th century, including condemned war criminals.

For this reason. However, the visits japan: 80 years after 1945, of Japanese officials regularly arouse the anger of the countries having suffered from Japanese military atrocities, in particular China and South Korea.

This year. the Minister of Agriculture Shinjiro Koizumi, a possible pretender to the post of Prime Minister, made the trip as he does every August 15, but for the first time with a status as a member of the government.

A few hundred meters from this sanctuary. the emperor said he felt “a feeling of deep and always present sadness” in a solemn speech delivered alongside the Empress Masako.

“My thoughts go to the many people who lost their precious life during the last war. their bereaved families,” said the 65 -year -old sovereign.

“Thinking about our past. keeping in mind the feelings of deep regret, I sincerely hope that the ravages of war will never happen again.”

Actions in favor of sustainable peace

The Prime Minister promised him “to preserve the painful japan: 80 years after 1945, memories of the war … to transmit them through the generations, and to pursue actions in favor of lasting peace”.

Despite temperatures above 30 ° C, the crowd was massaged around the sanctuary.

“We live at a time when wars broke out. risk bursting in various places,” a 53 -year -old graphic designer from Tokyo told AFP. I came here to come back to what Japan has done, including its failures. ”

“Time will come when veterans will no longer be with us. I wanted to continue their inheritance, ”explained Mr. Hanada, 39 and dressed in a uniform of the Japanese imperial army. “You have to look at all aspects of wars. Good things and bad things have happened. ”

Emperor Naruhito. Masako and their daughter, Princess Aiko, should go to Nagasaki in September to meet survivors of the devastating atomic bomb of Aôut 1945 and honor the war dead.