NPR

Japan's Emperor And Prime Minister Mark WWII Surrender In Contrasting Annual Rituals

On the 74th anniversary of Japan's surrender, Emperor Naruhito expressed "deep remorse" for his country's wartime role. Meanwhile, Shinzo Abe sent offerings to a shrine that honors Japan's war dead.
Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako bow during a memorial service marking the 74th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II at the Nippon Budokan Hall on Thursday in Tokyo.

Japan's new emperor followed in his father's footsteps, expressing "deep remorse" for his country's role in World War II as part of an annual ceremony marking its surrender, while Prime Minister Shinzo Abe followed another recent tradition on Thursday – sending an offering to the Yasukuni shrine that honors, among others, some of Japan's most

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min read
Taiwan's New President Urges China To Stop Its Military Intimidation
Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te in his inauguration speech has urged China to stop its military intimidation against the self-governed island Beijing claims as its own territory.
NPR3 min read
Hold On To Your Wishes — There's A 'Spider In The Well'
There's trouble in the town of Bad Göodsburg! A wishing well has stopped working! NPR's Tamara Keith talks with Jess Hannigan about her new children's book, "Spider in the Well."
NPR2 min read
The Jawbone Of Washed-up Whale In New Zealand Was Removed With Chainsaw And Stolen
The jawbone of a nearly 50-foot sperm whale that washed ashore in New Zealand's southernmost region has been removed. While the act is illegal, it's also considered disrespectful to the Māori people.

Related Books & Audiobooks