His usage of the word “remorse” marks the first use of this word since 2013 during a memorial ceremony. He pledged to renounce war as a positive step toward improving relations. Contrasting to previous years, his remarks underscore rate tone of reflection of wartime devastation and commitment to peace, showing Japan’s effort to pass down painful memories to future generations.

• Euronews Article: https://www.euronews.com/2025/08/15/japan-pm-ishiba-expresses-remorse-on-world-war-ii-surrender-anniversary

• The Japan Times Article: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/08/15/japan/politics/end-of-ww2/

• Xinhua News Agency Article: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-08-16/Japanese-PM-expresses-remorse-over-WWII-1FSrl59225y/p.html

• Hankyoreh Article: https://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_international/1213851.html

• Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru Statement: https://japan.kantei.go.jp/103/statement/202508/15shikiji.html