International Farewell: Global Memorial Rites for Japanese Families to Conclude After 80 Years
A significant program that has allowed Japanese families to visit memorial sites of their loved ones who died overseas during World War II is coming to an end. The decision to terminate the initiative, which has been ongoing for over three decades, was made due to the aging of participants, with the average age now exceeding 80.
Launched in fiscal 1991 with the aid of state subsidies, the program enabled families to hold memorial services and interact with local residents in locations like the Pacific islands, China, and the Philippines—areas that were once fierce battlegrounds during World War II. As of April 1, 2025, approximately 16,000 people had participated in about 450 trips.
The program has facilitated significant interactions and memorial services, contributing to the remembrance of war dead and promoting reconciliation with communities affected by the war. However, the number of participants has declined in recent years, which was further exacerbated by a brief suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fiscal 2023, only 248 people participated, down from a peak of 911 in fiscal 2005.
In Japan, memorial services and visits to war sites are culturally significant, as they honor the deceased and help preserve historical memories. The closure of this program coincides with the 80th anniversary of Japan's WWII surrender, a period marked by reflections on the war and concerns about fading memories of its impact.
Despite its conclusion, the program has left a lasting legacy in promoting peace and understanding among nations affected by the war. The organizer of the program, Nippon Izokukai, will continue to support families in their efforts to remember their loved ones through other means.
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