Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on Tuesday paid tribute to the roughly 100,000 victims of the U.S. firebombing of Tokyo during World War II, attending a commemoration service at a memorial hall dedicated in part to those who died.
The Imperial Couple last visited the Tokyo Memorial Hall in Sumida Ward in 1995, on the 50th anniversary of Japan's defeat. The hall is dedicated to those who died in the massive air raid of March 10, 1945.
The Imperial Household Agency said through their presence the Emperor and Empress were paying respects to all air raid victims nationwide.
Before an audience of about 200 people, the Imperial Couple laid bouquets of white chrysanthemums in front of tablets commemorating those who died.
The visit was part of a series of trips the Emperor and Empress have made to pay tribute to the war dead on the occasion of the 70th anniversary.
Last year they traveled to Okinawa Prefecture, where more than 200,000 civilians and soldiers died in the fighting between Japan and the United States, and to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which were devastated by U.S. atomic bombings in August 1945.
In April this year, the Emperor and Empress visited Palau's Peleliu Island, site of a fierce battle that claimed the lives of around 16,000 Japanese soldiers and 2,000 U.S. troops.
Hiroshi Takada, 77, who lost relatives in the Tokyo air raid, said he was "moved by the strong will" of the Imperial Couple, who are both in their 80s, as they journey to pay respects to those who perished during the war.
The memorial hall also commemorates around 58,000 victims of the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.
