Ishiba Contemplates Timing and Method for Expressing Opinion on World War II
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, currently in Hiroshima, western Japan, has expressed his thoughts on the execution of the Japan-U.S. trade agreement during a press conference. Ishiba emphasised that making an agreement is one thing, but ensuring its successful implementation is another, more challenging, matter.
The Japan-U.S. trade agreement was the primary focus of Ishiba's comments at the press conference. He promised to respond appropriately, quickly, and accurately to any challenges that may arise in relation to the agreement. Ishiba's comments do not indicate any change in his previous stance about not releasing a prime minister's statement or a personal message on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
On August 15, the anniversary of Japan's surrender in the war, Ishiba did not discuss his plans regarding the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. However, in the past, Ishiba's thoughts on preventing war have been based on his analysis of the statements made during the 50th, 60th, and 70th anniversaries.
During the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony on August 6, 2025, Ishiba solemnly conveyed his condolences to the victims of the atomic bombings and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to pursuing "a world without nuclear weapons" by adhering to the “Three Non-Nuclear Principles.” Ishiba also emphasised the importance of passing on the memory of wartime tragedies and the determination for peace to future generations.
In his statements on preventing war, Ishiba underscored the necessity to remember the remorse and lessons from the war to prevent future conflicts. He reaffirmed Japan’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability, including leadership in international nuclear disarmament initiatives.
Overall, Ishiba's stance combines a sincere acknowledgment of wartime suffering and a forward-looking commitment to peace, underlining the importance of remembrance and international cooperation to ensure war is never repeated.
In response to questions about his plans following the defeat in the parliamentary election, Ishiba did not discuss his plans regarding the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Instead, he focused on the challenges and importance of executing the Japan-U.S. trade agreement.
- Upon addressing the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony on August 6, 2025, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba took the opportunity to express his condolences to the victims of the atomic bombings through a photo of those events, emphasizing Japan's commitment to pursuing a world without nuclear weapons.
- The Japan-U.S. trade agreement extend beyond its signing, necessitating a focus on its successful implementation, as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba explained during his press conference, outlining his commitment to respond promptly and accurately to any challenges that may arise concerning the agreement.
