Key Facts
• August 15, 2025: Memorial service held in Laguna, Philippines, marking WWII’s end.
• 520,000 Japanese and 1.11 million Filipinos died in the Philippines during WWII.
• First attendance by a Philippine government official in 80 years.
• Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo emphasized remembering the pain of war victims.
• President Marcos highlighted lessons of war and strong Japan-Philippines partnership.
• Ceremony held annually since 1973 by the Japanese Embassy.
• Endo criticized Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling it a threat to global order.
• Event underscores the importance of preserving peace and historical memory.
Summary
A memorial service for Japanese war dead was held on August 15, 2025, in Laguna, Philippines, commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II. The event, organized annually by the Japanese Embassy since 1973, saw the first-ever attendance of a Philippine government official. Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo stressed the importance of remembering the sacrifices and suffering caused by the war, while Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the lessons of rejecting war and fostering peace. The ceremony also highlighted the strong partnership between Japan and the Philippines in the Indo-Pacific region. Endo condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling it a destabilizing act against international order. The event served as a reminder of the devastating impact of war and the need to preserve historical memory for future generations.
