Key Facts
• August 15: Emperor and Empress attended the national memorial service in Tokyo.
• Event marked 80 years since WWII’s end; half of attendees were post-war generations.
• Emperor, aged 65, emphasized “deep reflection” and the importance of “passing on” wartime lessons.
• The phrase “passing on” was a new expression in his speech.
• The Emperor and Empress have consistently highlighted the need to share wartime history.
• This year, they visited Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Hiroshima to meet survivors and youth.
• Their 23-year-old daughter, Princess Aiko, joined visits to Okinawa and will visit Nagasaki in September.
• The royal family continues efforts to honor war victims and promote peace education.
Summary
On August 15, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended a government-hosted memorial service in Tokyo, commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II. The Emperor, 65, expressed “deep reflection” and introduced the phrase “passing on” to emphasize the importance of sharing wartime experiences with future generations. This year, the royal family visited key historical sites, including Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Hiroshima, engaging with survivors and younger generations. Princess Aiko, 23, joined these visits and will accompany her parents to Nagasaki in September. The Emperor and Empress, both born post-war, have consistently advocated for preserving the memory of wartime hardships to ensure peace. Their ongoing efforts underline a commitment to honoring war victims and fostering intergenerational understanding.
