Statement by Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama on August 15, 1995, the fiftieth anniversary of the Asia-Pacific War
The world has seen
50 years elapse since the war came to an end. Now, when I remember the many
people both at home and abroad who fell victim to war, my heart is overwhelmed
by a flood of emotions.
The peace and
prosperity of today were built as Japan overcame great difficulty to arise from
a devastated land after defeat in war. That achievement is something of which
we are proud, and let me herein express my heartfelt admiration for the wisdom
and untiring effort of each and every one of our citizens. Let me also express
once again my profound gratitude for the indispensable support and assistance
extended to Japan by the countries of the world, beginning with the United
States of America. I am also delighted that we have been able to build the
friendly relations which we enjoy today with the neighboring countries of the
Asia-Pacific region, the United States and the countries of Europe.
Now that Japan has
come to enjoy peace and abundance, we tend to overlook the pricelessness and
blessings of peace. Our task is toconvey to younger generations the horrors of
war, so that we never repeat the errors in our history. I believe that, as we
join hands, especially with the peoples of neighboring countries, to ensure
true peace in the Asia- Pacific region -- indeed in the entire world -- it is
necessary, more than anything else, that we foster relations with all countries
based on deep understanding and trust. Guided by this conviction, the
Government has launched the Peace, Friendship and Exchange Initiative, which
consists of two parts promoting: support for historical research into relations
in the modern era between Japan and the neighboring countries of Asia and elsewhere;
and rapid expansion of exchanges with those countries. Furthermore, I will
continue in all sincerity to do my utmost in efforts being made on the issues
arisen from the war, in order to further strengthen the relations of trust
between Japan and those countries.
Now, upon this
historic occasion of the 50th anniversary of the war's end, we should bear in
mind that we must look into the past to learn from the lessons of history, and
ensure that we do not stray from the path to the peace and prosperity of human
society in the future.
During a certain period in the not too distant past, Japan, following a mistaken national policy, advanced along the road to war, only to ensnare the Japanese people in a fateful crisis, and, through its colonial rule and aggression, caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations. In the hope that no such mistake be made in the future, I regard, in a spirit of humility, these irrefutable facts of history, and express here once again my feelings of deep remorse and state my heartfelt apology. Allow me also to express my feelings of profound mourning for all victims, both at home and abroad, of that history.
Building from our
deep remorse on this occasion of the 50th anniversary of the end of the war,
Japan must eliminate self-righteous nationalism, promote international
coordination as a responsible member of the international community and,
thereby, advance the principles of peace and democracy. At the same time, as
the only country to have experienced the devastation of atomic bombing, Japan,
with a view to the ultimate elimination of nuclear weapons, must actively
strive to further global disarmament in areas such as the strengthening of the
nuclear non-proliferation regime. It is my conviction that in this way alone
can Japan atone for its past and lay to rest the spirits of those who perished.
It is said that
one can rely on good faith. And so, at this time of remembrance, I declare to
the people of Japan and abroad my intention to make good faith the foundation
of our Government policy, and this is my vow.