Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has expressed "profound grief" for all who perished in World War II in a statement marking the 70th anniversary of the country's surrender.
Abe acknowledged Friday in the statement delivered live on national television that Japan inflicted "immeasurable damage and suffering" on innocent people in the war. He also expressed apologies for Japan's actions.
The statement was closely watched by Japan's neighbors, especially South Korea and China. Resentment over invasion, occupation and atrocities by the Japanese Imperial Army before and during the war still bedevils relations between Japan and the East Asian countries decades after the war ended with the Aug. 15, 1945, surrender.
Abe said Japan must face its history squarely, but that future generations should not have to continue apologizing.
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