Memorial Day for the War Dead and National Memorial Service

The government hosts the National Memorial Service for the War Dead, recognizing that behind Japan's peace and prosperity today lies the noble sacrifice of those who died in the ravages of the previous war while thinking of their homeland and worrying about their families.

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress attend the ceremony, along with representatives of bereaved families and representatives of various sectors of society.

The government earnestly hopes that each member of the public will remember the war dead and offer a heartfelt moment of silence at home, at work, or wherever they are, in conjunction with the ceremony.

The National Memorial Service for the War Dead is held at Nippon Budokan under the auspices of the government. It commemorates those who died in the previous war, and representatives of bereaved families and various sectors of society attend.

The purpose of the government's sponsorship of the ceremony is for the entire nation to deeply honor the war dead and sincerely pay tribute to their sacrifice, while renewing its pledge to establish lasting peace.