Emperor Akihito, on the occasion of his 81st birthday Tuesday, expressed hope that Japan will move forward with other nations as a peaceful country, ahead of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II next year.
"I ardently hope that Japan will be able to go forward in the world as a stable, peaceful and sound nation, in mutual support not only with neighboring countries but with as many of the world's countries as possible," the Emperor said at a customary news conference held last Friday before his birthday.
He also referred to World War II, in which 3.1 million Japanese lost their lives, and said people today should keep this in mind.