Japanese Prime Minster Expresses “Deep Remorse and Apology”

Marking the 60th anniversary of the end of the Pacific War on August 15, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi released a “60 year post-war statement” containing content similar to previous Japanese government expressions of “deep remorse and apology.”

The announcement of a statement by the Japanese prime minister in commemoration of the day of surrender was the first such statement released in 10 years since Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama did so in 1995.

In the statement, Prime Minister Koizumi said, “Japan inflicted tremendous damage and pain on many countries, especially to its neighboring Asian countries through its past colonialism and aggression,” and added that Japan modestly understood this historical fact and expressed its deep remorse and heartfelt apology.

Prime Minister Koizumi also did not visit the Yasukuni Shrine on that day.

Hun-Joo Cho hanscho@donga.com