Tokyo, marking his 65th birthday and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Japan's Emperor Naruhito renewed his call for global peace, emphasizing the importance of remembering the past and fostering international cooperation.

"I hope that this year, marking eight decades since the end of World War II, serves as a moment for us to cherish peace in our hearts and reaffirm our commitment to it," Naruhito said in a speech delivered to the Imperial Household Agency on Sunday.

Highlighting the significance of historical remembrance, the Emperor stressed the need to pass down the experiences of war to younger generations. "It is vital to convey the tragic realities of war from those who lived through it to those who did not," he stated.

Reflecting on the profound losses Japan endured, Naruhito remembered the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Tokyo air raids, the Okinawa ground battles, and intense fighting on Iwo Jima and abroad. "Many precious lives were lost, and we must never forget those who perished and those who suffered," he said.

Amid ongoing global conflicts, natural disasters, and the challenges posed by climate change, the Emperor underscored the need for greater international cooperation. "To build a tolerant society that respects diverse values and ensures peace, stronger global collaboration is essential," he urged.

Japan will officially observe the 80th anniversary of its surrender in World War II on August 15. The war, which concluded in 1945 after the United States dropped nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, saw Japan engage in military campaigns across China, Burma (now Myanmar), and British-ruled India, including territories that now form Bangladesh.

Emperor Naruhito, who ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in 2019, continues to uphold his family's long-standing advocacy for peace and reflection on Japan's wartime history.