Obituary | Japan ex-PM Murayama, who apologised for WWII aggression, dies at 101
In a 1995 statement, Murayama expressed ‘deep remorse’ over Tokyo’s deeds that left a lasting legacy of bitterness with its neighbours
Murayama, however, will be remembered mainly for the statement he issued on August 15, 1995, using unprecedented language to apologise for his nation’s actions during a conflict that left a lasting legacy of bitterness with Asian neighbours.
“During a certain period in the not too distant past, Japan, following a mistaken national policy, advanced along the road to war … and, through its colonial rule and aggression, caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations,” he said at a sombre, nationally televised news conference.
“I regard, in a spirit of humility, these irrefutable facts of history and express here once again my feelings of deep remorse and state my heartfelt apology.”
The statement was welcomed by the United States and many Asian countries, including South Korea and China, where memories run deep of a conflict during which Japan occupied much of Southeast Asia and China.
