Japan marks 67th anniversary of end of World War II

Japanese veterans and their followers clad in outdated military costume march to pay respects to the
nation's war dead at the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo on Wednesday. Japan marked the 67th anniversary
 of its surrender in World War II on Wednesday. (AP/Koji Sasahara)

TOKYO — Japan on Wednesday marked the 67th anniversary of its World War II surrender with a somber memorial.

Some 6,000 Japanese, led by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko as well as Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, offered silent prayers at noon for the war victims at Budokan Hall in Tokyo.
 
“During the war, Japan inflicted significant damage and pain on many countries, especially on people in Asian countries,” Noda told the annual ceremony. “We deeply regret that.”

Akihito said: “Recalling history, I profoundly hope that the suffering of war will never be repeated. I sincerely express mourning for those who lost their lives on the battlefields, and wish world peace and our country’s further development.”

(C) 2012 AFP