On August 15, Japan paused to honor 80 years since Emperor Hirohito’s broadcast that signaled the end of WWII fighting. For those who lived through the bombings in Tokyo, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the day still echoes with personal loss and resilience.
Now, with survivors entering their late nineties, time is pressing. Younger generations are stepping up, building digital archives of eyewitness accounts, hosting community events and bringing history into the classroom through interactive projects.
At the same time, political debates over how schools and textbooks portray Japan’s wartime actions have surfaced again. While some voices call for a balanced narrative that acknowledges historical responsibility, others push for texts that highlight national pride and postwar recovery.
As Japan looks ahead, the 80th anniversary is a reminder that memories shape our future. This milestone resonates beyond borders, inviting global citizens to reflect on how we remember, learn and work together for peace.
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Memories return as Japan marks 80 years since WWII surrender
cgtn.com
