Imperial Looking Back This Year

Emperor Akihito remembered the year of 2015, the seventieth anniversary from the end of World War II, as leading his life with thoughts on the past war in many ways. In his press conference, Akihito insisted on importance of deepening knowledge and thought on war for the future of Japan. So, what events this year did make him so emotional on the war?

The annual birthday press conference was held on December 18^th, five days before his 82^nd birthday. “This is the seventieth year from the end of the past war. That war had indeed taken a number of lives, including non-military personnel,” said Akihito. “It makes me feel sad,” added him, “when I think about the fact that many people, who should have lived meaningful lives if it had been in a peaceful time, lost their lives.” When he referred to ship crews who lost their life without any military protection in foreign seas, he was so touched that he lost his words for a short period.

Memorizing the seventieth anniversary, Akihito was active in royal diplomacy this year. In April, he and Empress Michiko visited Republic of Palau, where Japanese Imperial Navy had deadly battles against United States Navy, and had memorial services for deceased soldiers. He thanked the Presidents of Palau, Marshall Islands and Micronesia for their attendance to the ceremony. “We must not forget that the past war left a great burden on the people living in the islands,” said Akihito in the press conference.

It is possible that Akihito referred to growing number of young people who did not know well about the war, because young movement against war was more active this year than in past few years. One thing obvious was that the movement was stimulated by unilateral legislative procedure for passing new security bills in the Diet. It was likely that the Emperor wanted to indirectly express concern on sharp opposition between the leading parties and moderate liberal powers in Japanese society.

Akihito also expressed his consolation to the victims of natural disasters this year. In May, explosion of a volcano in Kuchino-erabu Island, Kagoshima, exploded, caused entire evacuation from the island, which is still lasting. In September, Kinugawa River flooded in Tochigi, taking eight lives. It was his concern on preparedness for natural disasters and growing effect of climate change. He also told that he was relieved by voluntary effort to help suffered people in those disasters.

It has no doubt that his Heisei Era does not last forever. Elderly Emperor regretted his failure in some ceremonies, which would include wrong recognition of the agenda in a war memorial ceremony in Tokyo in August or interruption of schedule in an event for ocean development in Toyama in October. Easing official schedule is another issue he holds.