Emperor Akihito turned 82 on Wednesday, paying tribute to all who suffered during World War II, including those in Japan and overseas who live with its legacy today. He said it is "most important" for Japan's future that the war is remembered and understood.
"Looking back over the past year, I feel that it was a year in which I spent much time thinking about the war in various ways," he said.
"With each passing year, we will have more and more Japanese who have never experienced war, but I believe having thorough knowledge about the last war and deepening our thoughts about the war is most important for the future of Japan," he said.