Japan marks 76th anniversary of WWII defeat; no Suga apology

By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — Japan has marked the 76th anniversary of its surrender in World War II. At the somber ceremony, Prime Minister Yosihide Suga pledged for the tragedy of war to never be repeated. But he avoided apologizing for his country’s aggression. In contrast, Emperor Naruhito expressed “deep remorse” over his country’s wartime actions in a carefully nuanced speech. Also Sunday, Suga’s predecessor Shinzo Abe and two ministers of Suga’s Cabinet prayed at Yasukuni shrine. The site is viewed by China and the Koreas as a symbol of Japanese militarism. South Korea urged Japanese officials to show “sincere remorse through action” so that the countries could develop “future-oriented ties.”