Japanese royals commemorate end of the Second World War

The Imperial Family has commemorated the anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

81 years ago, Emperor Hirohito (posthumously known as Emperor Shōwa) announced Japan’s surrender, ending the brutal fighting of the Second World War. At noon on 15 August 1945, Emperor Hirohito addressed the nation, to many’s surprise, as the Emperor had never previously broadcast a speech on the radio. However, few could actually understand the Emperor, as he spoke in such formal language that the general public could not fully grasp his words.

On Friday afternoon, Hirohito’s grandson, Emperor Naruhito, marked the anniversary 81 years later at a ceremony in Tokyo. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attended the National Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead at the Nippon Budokan. The ceremony was first held in 1952 and commemorates the victims of the Second World War and is sponsored by the Japanese Government.

Emperor Naruhito gave an address, with Empress Masako alongside, saying in part,

Eighty-one years have passed since the end of the war, and through the tireless efforts of the people, the peace and prosperity of our country today has been built, but when I think of the many hardships the people have endured, I am truly deeply moved. I hope that we will continue to pass on the stories of the hardships during and after the war, and that we will all unite our hearts and continue to strive for peace and the happiness of the people for generations to come.

Meanwhile, the Imperial Household Agency confirmed that Princess Aiko, the Princess Toshi observed a moment of silence at the Imperial Residence within Tokyo’s Imperial Palace. Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko also observed a moment of silence at their residence, the Sentō Imperial Palace, while watching a televised broadcast of the National Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead.