On Sunday, Japan’s Emperor Naruhito marked his 65th birthday by emphasizing the importance of passing down the history of World War II to younger generations. With this year marking the 80th anniversary of the war’s end, he vowed to help promote greater understanding of the war’s tragic impact and the ongoing need for peace.
“As the memory of the war fades, it is crucial that the painful experiences and history be shared with those who were not alive during the war,” Naruhito stated in pre-recorded comments during a news conference.
He noted that many survivors of the war have grown older, making it harder for younger generations to hear their personal accounts of the events.
Naruhito, joined by his wife, Empress Masako, their daughter, Princess Aiko, and members of his younger brother’s family, greeted well-wishers from the palace balcony. Later, he was set to celebrate his birthday with a palace banquet.
The war was fought under the leadership of Naruhito’s grandfather, Emperor Hirohito. Naruhito, who was born after the war, shared that he and his wife, Empress Masako, have learned about the wartime period from their parents’ stories and their reflections on peace. Naruhito’s father, Emperor Akihito, who abdicated in 2019, was deeply committed to making amends for the war. Naruhito expressed his intention to follow in his father’s footsteps and continue these efforts.
Emperor Naruhito’s concerns are particularly shared by many survivors of the U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, who are anxious about the slow progress in nuclear disarmament and the growing support for nuclear deterrence.
These survivors, known as hibakusha, hope that the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to their organization, Nihon Hidankyo, for its long-standing efforts in nuclear disarmament will help raise awareness among younger generations.
This year, Naruhito and Empress Masako are scheduled to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki to honor the victims of the atomic bombings, as well as Okinawa, where one of the war’s most intense battles took place.