Commemorating the 64th anniversary of the end of World War II, Prime Minister Taro Aso expressed deep remorse over the pain Japan inflicted on its neighbors and vowed never to engage in war again.

"Japan caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations," Aso said Saturday in a speech at Nippon Budokan Hall in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. "On behalf of the people of Japan, I hereby express my feelings of profound remorse and sincere mourning for all the victims of the war."

Although Aso is known for being a hawk on foreign policy, he has avoided visiting Yasukuni Shrine, which is widely regarded as a symbol of Japan's past militarism.