Japan emperor hopes for peace, 80 years after WWII end

Japan's Emperor Naruhito (L) reads his annual birthday message as Empress Masako (R) looks on, as they appear on the balcony of the Imperial Palace to mark the emperor's 65th birthday in Tokyo on February 23, 2025. - AFP

TOKYO: Japan's Emperor Naruhito renewed his wish for world peace on his birthday, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Imperial Household Agency said on Sunday (Feb 23).

"I hope that this year, the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, will be an occasion... to remember the preciousness of peace in our hearts, and to renew our commitment to peace," Naruhito said in a speech to the IHA ahead of his 65th birthday.