Japan's PM in 'heartfelt apology' for wartime atrocities
Japan's prime minister Junichiro Koizumi apologised today for Tokyo’s wartime colonisation and invasions in Asia on the 60th anniversary of the country’s surrender, pledging that Japan would never forget the “terrible lessons” of the war.
Koizumi, in a statement, expressed his “deep reflections and heartfelt remorse” for the damages caused by Japan during the Second World War.
“Our country has caused great damages and pain to people in many countries, especially our Asian neighbours, through colonisation and invasion,” the statement said.
“We humbly accept these historic facts and would like to express once again our deep reflections and heartfelt apology, and also express our condolences to all victims of the war, both at home and abroad.
“We will not forget the terrible lessons of the war and will contribute to world peace and prosperity.”
Koizumi made a similar apology for the war at an Asian summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, in April, in hopes of quelling anti-Japanese protests in China triggered by Tokyo’s approval of history textbooks that critics say whitewashed Japanese wartime atrocities.
Japan marked the 60th anniversary of the end of the war with a moment of silence as Emperor Akihito and other officials gathered to express sorrow over the war and pledge to work towards peace.
Akihito and Empress Michiko bowed deeply before a bed of yellow and white chrysanthemums at a Tokyo assembly hall and a bell toned marking the Japanese surrender to the Allies.
