Japan Marks War Surrender Amid Gaza Controversy

On August 15, Japan held its annual ceremony in Tokyo to commemorate the end of the Pacific War, attended by the imperial couple. This year’s event, however, was marked by heightened tensions following the G7 and EU's decision to boycott the commemoration of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. The diplomatic snub stemmed from the mayor of Nagasaki's refusal to invite Israel's representative, amid ongoing violence in Gaza. Only a French diplomat attended to honor the victims, underscoring the complex interplay of remembrance and international relations. Emperor Akihito expressed "deep remorse" for Japan's wartime actions, reiterating a commitment to peace and a vow to prevent future conflicts. However, the absence of G7 and EU ambassadors cast a shadow over the ceremony, leading to feelings of disappointment and anger within Japan. The country perceives this diplomatic incident as a misunderstanding of its peace message, which has been a cornerstone of its post-war identity. Editorials from Japan's leading newspapers reflected this sentiment, with Yomiuri and Asahi criticizing the West's response to the situation in Gaza. Yomiuri highlighted the outrage in Nagasaki over Israel's military actions, while Asahi pointed out that the G7's boycott undermines efforts to promote a universal commitment to peace. The editorials lamented a perceived double standard in Western policies, particularly in light of Japan's ongoing advocacy for nuclear disarmament.