Japanese PM Kishida Pledges Peace, Faces WWII Legacy at Anniversary

On the 79th anniversary of Japan's WWII defeat, PM Fumio Kishida reaffirmed Japan's commitment to peace and a rules-based international order. He avoided acknowledging Japan's wartime aggression, a move seen as whitewashing history. Kishida's ministers' visit to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine drew criticism. Kishida plans to step down after September.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged to enhance Japan's efforts to uphold a rules-based international order during a peace commitment ceremony marking the 79th anniversary of Japan's World War II defeat.

In his speech at the Budokan hall, Kishida emphasized Japan's dedication to peace and pacifism, vowing, 'We will never again repeat the tragedy of war.' Kishida's address, however, did not include an acknowledgment or apology for Japan's historical aggression across Asia.

This omission aligns with a precedent set by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Earlier in the day, three of Kishida's ministers visited the Yasukuni Shrine, stirring controversy due to its association with war criminals. Kishida, who plans to step down after his party's leadership vote in September, continues to strengthen Japan's military ties with the U.S. amid growing threats from China and North Korea.

(With inputs from agencies.)