On February 23, Tokyo: As Japan’s Emperor Naruhito celebrated his 65th birthday on Sunday, he emphasized the vital role of sharing the tragedies of World War II with younger generations. He pledged to support initiatives aimed at enhancing historical understanding and promoting peace, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the war’s conclusion this year.
“As memories of the war begin to fade, it’s crucial that we relay the tragic experiences and histories to those who are unaware of it,” Naruhito conveyed during a pre-recorded news conference on Sunday.
The passage of time has made it challenging for younger generations to hear firsthand accounts from those who lived through the war, Naruhito noted.
Alongside his wife, Empress Masako, their daughter Princess Aiko, and some members of his younger brother’s family, Naruhito greeted well-wishers from the palace balcony. Later that day, he was to commemorate his birthday at a banquet hosted at the palace.
The war occurred under the reign of his grandfather, Emperor Hirohito. Naruhito shared that he and Masako, born after the conflict, learned about wartime experiences and the ideals of peace from their parents. His father, Akihito, known for his commitment to reconciliation regarding the war, serves as an example for Naruhito.
His concerns mirror those of many survivors of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, who express alarm over the slow pace of nuclear disarmament and an increasing propensity for nuclear deterrence.
Hibakusha, or bomb survivors, have expressed hope that the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to their organization, Nihon Hidankyo, for its longstanding nuclear disarmament efforts will foster greater awareness among younger generations.
This year, Naruhito and Masako plan to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki to honor the memories of those lost in the atomic bombings, as well as Okinawa, the site of one of the war’s most intense battles. (AP)
