On February 23, 2025, Emperor Naruhito of Japan celebrated his 65th birthday by issuing an impassioned plea that the atrocities of World War II be not forgotten by generations younger than his own. While the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of the war, the Emperor used the opportunity to stress historical memory and reaffirm commitment to peace.
A Call to Preserve the Memory of WWII
In a birthday news conference he prerecorded, Emperor Naruhito expressed concern that the war memory would be forgotten through history. He stated, "As the memory of the war is lost today, it is crucial that the tragic experiences and history are handed down to the generations who do not know the war."
As the surviving witnesses are becoming fewer in number, the need to pass on firsthand experiences is growing more pressing. The Emperor urged energetic efforts to keep the lessons of history alive, particularly against the backdrop of current geopolitical uncertainty.
Public Celebrations and Family Gathering
As part of celebrating his birthday, Emperor Naruhito appeared on the balcony of the Imperial Palace with his wife, Empress Masako, and his daughter, Princess Aiko. There were thousands of well-wishers who turned up to greet the royal family, a return to normal public festivities after years of restriction. In the night, there was a banquet held at the palace, which was attended by imperial family members as well as government representatives.
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A Legacy of Peace and Reconciliation
Emperor Naruhito's message is very personal, since the war was fought in his grandfather Emperor Hirohito's name. Naruhito and Empress Masako have learned about its impact from his parents' stories since they were born after the war. His father, Emperor Emeritus Akihito, who abdicated in 2019, was renowned for his tireless efforts at reconciliation with wartime adversaries.
Naruhito has pledged to follow his father's example by advocating for peace and history education. His message is especially important as relations in the Indo-Pacific become increasingly tense, making the teachings of World War II more pertinent than ever.
Hibakusha and the Battle for Nuclear Disarmament
The Emperor's message of remembrance harmonizes with today's concerns of hibakusha, the survivors of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. They worry about the stalemate in nuclear disarmament and the growing emphasis on nuclear deterrence in global politics.
Nihon Hidankyo, an association of survivors of the atomic bombs, recently received the Nobel Peace Prize for their decades-long struggle against nuclear weapons. Their cause has sparked renewed interest in the award, and the young generations are now urged to campaign for a world free of nuclear weapons. One of the 92-year-old hibakusha, Terumi Tanaka, who is also a co-chairman of the organization, emphasized their mission, declaring, "We must strengthen the disarmament movement over the next decade." (AP News).
Future Visits to WWII Memorial Sites
While celebrating the 80th anniversary, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will probably travel to Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the latter part of this year to offer respects to the atomic bombing victims. They will also travel to Okinawa, where one of the most ferocious battles in the war occurred, civilians and soldiers totaling thousands died. These tours will reaffirm Japan's commitment to peace and reconciliation.
Global Commemorations of the 80th Anniversary of WWII
Japan is not alone in looking back on the war's legacy. Around the globe, there are events being held to commemorate the 80th anniversary of significant battles and milestones:
- Manila American Cemetery and Memorial Exhibit – An art exhibition in Manila celebrates the Battle of Manila, determining its role in freeing the Philippines (Stars and Stripes).
- Iwo Jima Reunion of Honor – On March 29, 2025, there will be a ceremony to commemorate the historic Battle of Iwo Jima and honor the courage of the troops who engaged there (Military Tours).
- European WWII Remembrance Ceremonies – France and Germany in Europe are conducting memorial services to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings and the liberation of Nazi concentration camps.
A Message for the Future
Emperor Naruhito's pledge to education for history and peace is a good reminder of how crucial it is to learn from the past. His birthday message is an appeal to action by Japan and the world that future generations be continued to be educated about World War II lessons.
With the current global wars and increasing geopolitical tensions, his message is more timely than ever. As the 80th anniversary of the end of the war, the world needs to look at its past in order to have a more peaceful future.
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For more on WWII commemorations and Japan's imperial family, go to Times of India.