Remembering 'the horrors of war'
2005-08-15 09:18
Tokyo - Emperor Akihito on Monday expressed hope that Japan would never return to war, 60 years after his father Emperor Hirohito surrendered, ending World War 2.
Akihito led some 7 000 people at the Budokan hall next to his palace in a moment of silence for the war dead.
"In view of history, I sincerely wish the ravages of war will never be repeated. With all the Japanese public, I mourn for those who perished in battles and lost their lives in the horrors of war," Akihito said.
He said felt "deep emotion" as he recalled the past.
Emperor Hirohito was considered a demigod during the war and the public never heard his voice until he went on the radio to surrender on August 15 1945.
Japan now considers the emperor a symbol of the nation who has no political role.