Outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru announced on October 10 his message marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Concerning historical recognition, Ishiba said he will uphold the positions in past statements issued by his predecessors on occasions such as the 70th anniversary.

Past prime ministers’ war anniversary statements were endorsed by the Cabinet, but Ishiba has said he will prepare a message without Cabinet endorsement for the 80th year.

In the message, Ishiba offered his own perspectives on why Japan was unable to stop the war.

He said key issues included the lack of a system that properly integrated the government and the military.

He also pointed out that the supreme command authority was broadly interpreted at the time, resulting in the then military exploiting it.

As a lesson for today, he made the following remarks.

S/ Ishiba Shigeru, Prime Minister / Politicians must have the integrity to resist irresponsible populism and not be swayed by popular opinion.
Self-Defense Forces are said to actively provide explanations and express their views on international affairs, equipment, and operations from their standpoint as a professional organization.
We must not fall into excessive commercialism or tolerate narrow-minded nationalism, discrimination and exclusionism.

Ishiba said that as the number of people who have experienced World War II is decreasing, he believes that Japan can strengthen its foundation as a peace-loving country if each citizen, including the younger generations, actively reflects on the war and on the meaning of peace and applies those insights to shape the future.