石破いしば首相しゅしょう 全国ぜんこく戦没せんぼつ者しゃ追悼ついとう式しき 式辞しきじで「反省はんせい」使つかうのは2012年にせんじゅうにねん以来いらい

On the 15th, the anniversary of the end of the war, Prime Minister Ishiba, in his address at the government-sponsored National Memorial Service for the War Dead, noted that 80 years have passed since the war and that the majority of people now belong to generations with no experience of war. He expressed his determination to deeply reflect on and learn from the lessons of the war, and to take action toward the realization of lasting peace.

In this speech, Prime Minister Ishiba said, We must never forget, even for a moment, that todays peace and prosperity in our country are built upon the noble lives of the war dead and the hardships of our history.

I would like to once again express my heartfelt respect and gratitude.

On top of that, eighty years have passed since the last war, and now the majority of people are from generations that have never experienced war.

We must never repeat the horrors of war.

I will never choose the wrong path again.

He emphasized, We must once again deeply engrave in our hearts the reflections and lessons learned from that war.

And for the past 80 years, our country has consistently walked the path of a peaceful nation and devoted itself to the peace and prosperity of the world.

No matter how many months and years may pass, we must carry on the painful memories of war and our resolute vow for peace across generations, and continue to take action towards lasting peace.

In a world where conflicts still persist, he stated, We must reject division and encourage tolerance, and carve out a better future for the current and future generations.

At that time, Prime Minister Noda said, In the last war, we caused great damage and suffering to many countries, especially the people of Asian nations.

I deeply reflect and respectfully express my condolences to those who lost their lives and their bereaved families.

Such expressions have traditionally been followed by successive prime ministers, including those from the Liberal Democratic Party.

On the other hand, in his 2007 address during his first administration, Prime Minister Abe used the term remorse, but in his 2013 address after the launch of his second administration, he did not mention the damage or suffering of the people in Asian countries, nor did he use the word remorse.

Since then, up until former Prime Minister Kishida last year, the word reflection has not been used in the Prime Ministers ceremonial addresses.

Regarding Prime Minister Ishibas address this time, a senior government official stated, It expressed reflection on Japans decision-making system that started the war and failed to stop it, which is something Prime Minister Ishiba is strongly committed to.

Another government official explained, It is an expression of our determination that war must never be waged again, and it is not intended to emphasize an apology to Asian countries.

Prime Minister Ishiba is considering issuing a message after September to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, and is expected to take into account the address on the 15th in making his decision.

Based on the historical perspectives of previous cabinets, the focus is expected to be on analyzing the background of the war and indicating a path toward peace.