Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba marked the 80th anniversary of Japan's WWII surrender with a speech expressing 'remorse'—but stopped short of addressing the country's wartime aggression in Asia. The move reignited debates over historical accountability in the region. 🕊️
Speaking at Tokyo's annual memorial ceremony, Ishiba vowed Japan would 'never again take the path to war' and urged younger generations to remember the conflict's 'painful lessons.' However, media noted his remarks focused on Japan's wartime 'process,' not harm caused to neighboring countries. 📜
This marks the first time since 2012 that a Japanese leader used 'remorse' at the event. While predecessors like Tomiichi Murayama (1994) explicitly apologized for aggression, recent PMs—including Shinzo Abe—avoided such language. Critics argue the shift reflects growing nationalist sentiment, with right-wing group Nippon Kaigi calling Ishiba's wording a 'political maneuver.' 🇯🇵
Tensions flared further as Ishiba sent offerings to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine—a site honoring war criminals—while Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited in person. China's embassy urged Japan to 'make a clean break from militarism,' while South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stressed unresolved history 'haunts' bilateral ties. 🇨🇳🇰🇷
As WWII survivors dwindle, Asia watches: Will Japan's reflections match its neighbors' memories? 🤔
