Takaichi avoids 'regret' in WWII anniversary speech
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi avoided using the word 'regret' in her speech at the 81st anniversary memorial ceremony for Japan's WWII capitulation, while Emperor Naruhito expressed deep remorse. The ceremony was held at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, with over 4,000 attendees and a moment of silence at noon.
Consensus
- The 81st anniversary of Japan's WWII capitulation was commemorated on August 15.
- The ceremony took place at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo.
- A moment of silence was observed at noon, marking the time when Emperor Hirohito announced Japan's surrender in 1945.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi did not use the word 'regret' in her address.
- Takaichi emphasized the need to prevent the repetition of war tragedies.
- Emperor Naruhito expressed deep regret during his speech.
- The event drew over 4,000 participants.
- Approximately 2.3 million Japanese military personnel and 800,000 civilians died in WWII.
Points of divergence
- Takaichi did not visit the Yasukuni Shrine and instead sent a ritual offering, performing a Shinto ritual facing the shrine upon arrival. — vedomosti
- Takaichi's predecessor, Shinzo Abe, used the phrase 'regret' and gave a 'firm promise to abandon war' in 2025. — vedomosti
- Japan's defense budget for 2026 exceeds 9 trillion yen ($58 billion), and the government approved the removal of restrictions on exporting 'lethal' military equipment. — vedomosti
- Relations between Tokyo and Beijing remain tense due to Japan's statements on Taiwan, increased defense spending, and eased arms export rules. — vedomosti
- Emperor Naruhito stated: 'For a long time after the war, we thought about years and months of peace, but looking back, I sincerely wish with deep regret that the horrors of war will never happen again.' — vesti
- Takaichi did not express regret for Japan's aggression during WWII. — tg_rian_ru
- Takaichi did not mention regret for Japan's aggression. — tg_tass_agency
Coverage (5 sources)
- Takagi did not mention repentance on the anniversary of Japan's capitulation — Ведомости
- Emperor of Japan regrets horrors of Second World War — Вести
- Japan's Prime Minister promised never again to repeat the tragedy of World War II, but said nothing about Tokyo's remorse for aggression — ТАСС (Telegram)
- Takagi did not express regret for the war on the anniversary of Japan's capitulation — Вести
- Takagi did not express remorse on the anniversary of Tokyo's exit from World War II. — РИА Новости (Telegram)