August 15, 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated in his speech, "We must never again tread the wrong path, and we must deeply remember the reflection and lessons of that war." This is the first time in 13 years that a Japanese Prime Minister has used the word "reflection" in such a speech.
This morning, the Japanese government held the "National Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead" at the Nippon Budokan in Chiyoda, Tokyo, with Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, leaders of the three branches including the Prime Minister, and approximately 4,500 people from various sectors including bereaved families of the war dead in attendance. After observing a minute of silence at noon, Naruhito, Shigeru Ishiba, and the speakers of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors delivered speeches sequentially.
In his speech, Naruhito, as always, referred to "deep reflection," and "earnestly hoped that the tragedy of war will never be repeated." He also, for the first time, mentioned that "the suffering during and after the war must continue to be communicated to the future," highlighting the importance of passing down memories.
According to Mainichi Shimbun, since then-Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama expressed "deep reflection" in 1994, every subsequent Prime Minister up to Yoshihiko Noda in 2012 mentioned "reflection" in their ceremonial speeches. However, starting with Shinzo Abe in 2013, the word "reflection" disappeared, along with any explicit mention of Japan's responsibilities toward Asian countries. Neither Yoshihide Suga nor Fumio Kishida made reference to "reflection" in their speeches.
As for the use of the word "lessons," Kishida's speeches from 2022 to 2024 followed the "Statement on the 70th Anniversary of the End of the War" decided by Abe's cabinet, stating that "the lessons of history must be deeply remembered." Ishiba's use of "reflection" this time is seen as a deeper expression and reflects to a certain extent the "Ishiba style."
According to people close to Ishiba, "reflection" is not limited to the responsibility toward Asia, but also includes a review and reflection on the causes of the war, as well as postwar "civilian control" (the system of civilian leadership over the military). "This is a part that Ishiba put special emphasis on in the speech manuscript."
Ishiba stated, "We must never again repeat the tragedy of war," which is generally consistent with previous Prime Ministers. He also emphasized, "For the past 80 years, our country has always moved forward as a peaceful nation, striving to contribute to world peace and prosperity."
He also expressed his determination, "The painful memories of the war, as well as the firm vow never to start a war again, must be passed down through generations, and we must continue to take action to realize perpetual peace." (News Source: CNA)