People in Japan are commemorating the end of World War II. Thousands gathered in Tokyo to honor the fallen in an annual ceremony held every August 15th. Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko took part for the last time. The emperor will abdicate next year.
At the stroke of noon, participants observed a moment of silence to remember the more than three million that died in the war that ended 73 years ago.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed to sincerely deal with causes of conflict and work to create a world where everyone can live in peace.
The relatives of the war dead are growing old. About 80 percent who attended the ceremony are 70 or older.
To pass on the lessons from the war, students were invited to take part in the ceremony.
(Junichiro Hara / High school student)
"In order to protect peace, I hope to pass it on, along with the importance of not going to war."
◆commemorate追悼する、記念する
◆honor敬う
◆fallen戦没者
◆abdicate退位する
◆at the stroke of～時きっかりに
◆observed a moment of silenceしばしの黙とうをささげる
◆pass on伝える、受け継ぐ
