Junichiro Koizumi

Speaking at an annual national ceremony in Tokyo attended by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, and some 6,000 people, Koizumi first prayed for the souls of "more than 3 million" Japanese who died during and soon after the end of World War II, and then turned to the subject of war victims in other Asian countries.

"In the previous war, our country caused great damage and agony to people in many countries, in particular those of Asia," Koizumi said. "Representing the nation, I'd like to offer condolences to victims (in other Asian countries)."

The Japan Times Weekly: Aug. 21, 2004
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