Emperor and Prime Minister Issue Statements On 70th Anniversary of End of World War II

Above, Japanese Emperor Akihito.

Japanese Emperor Akihito and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe issued statements of remorse over World War II.

According to Japan Today:

TOKYO —Emperor Akihito marked the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two with an expression of “deep remorse” over the conflict on Saturday, a departure from his annual script which could be seen as a subtle rebuke of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. 

Abe on Friday expressed “utmost grief”, but said future generations should not have to keep apologising for the mistakes of the past. He offered no fresh apology of his own. 

“Reflecting on our past and bearing in mind the feelings of deep remorse over the last war, I earnestly hope that the ravages of war will never be repeated,” Akihito, 81, said at a memorial service on the anniversary of the day his father, Hirohito, announced Japan’s defeat.

I have to agree with the Prime Minister. Future generations of Japanese should not have to keep apologizing for the sins of their ancestors.

China and South Korea weren't too pleased with Abe's statement in particular. South Korean President Park Geun-hye feels Abe's statement "left a lot to be desired." Others in the Pacific region gave favorable reactions.