[Breaking News]81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

TOKYO, Japan, Aug. 18 Kyodo - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi walks past Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako after delivering her speech at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. (Kyodo)

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) walks past Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako after delivering her speech at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) walks past Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako after delivering her speech at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) walks past Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako after delivering her speech at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) walks past Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako after delivering her speech at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) offers flowers at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Attendees offer flowers at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Attendees observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Attendees observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Attendees observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Attendees observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

A memorial ceremony for the war dead is held at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

A memorial ceremony for the war dead is held at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito speaks at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. Standing beside him is Empress Masako.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito speaks at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. Standing beside him is Empress Masako.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito speaks at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. Standing beside him is Empress Masako.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attend a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attend a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

81st anniv. of Japan's WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attend a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Ceremony marking centennial since start of Showa era

Ceremony marking centennial since start of Showa era

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during a government-sponsored ceremony marking the centennial of the start of the Showa era (1926-1989) at the Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on April 29, 2026, a national holiday marking the birthday of the late Emperor Showa.

Ceremony marking centennial since start of Showa era

Ceremony marking centennial since start of Showa era

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attends a government-sponsored ceremony marking the centennial of the start of the Showa era (1926-1989) at the Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on April 29, 2026, a national holiday marking the birthday of the late Emperor Showa.

Ceremony marking centennial since start of Showa era

Ceremony marking centennial since start of Showa era

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attend a government-sponsored ceremony marking the centennial of the start of the Showa era (1926-1989) at the Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on April 29, 2026, a national holiday marking the birthday of the late Emperor Showa.

Ceremony marking centennial since start of Showa era

Ceremony marking centennial since start of Showa era

Japanese Emperor Naruhito (C, L) and Empress Masako (C, R) attend a government-sponsored ceremony marking the centennial of the start of the Showa era (1926-1989) at the Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on April 29, 2026, a national holiday marking the birthday of the late Emperor Showa. (Pool photo)

Ceremony marking centennial since start of Showa era

Ceremony marking centennial since start of Showa era

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attend a government-sponsored ceremony marking the centennial of the start of the Showa era (1926-1989) at the Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on April 29, 2026, a national holiday marking the birthday of the late Emperor Showa.

Ceremony marking centennial since start of Showa era

Ceremony marking centennial since start of Showa era

Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako attend a government-sponsored ceremony marking the centennial of the start of the Showa era (1926-1989) at the Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on April 29, 2026, a national holiday marking the birthday of the late Emperor Showa. (Pool photo)

Ceremony marking centennial since start of Showa era

Ceremony marking centennial since start of Showa era

A government-sponsored ceremony marking the centennial of the start of the Showa era (1926-1989) is held at the Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on April 29, 2026, a national holiday marking the birthday of the late Emperor Showa.

Ceremony marking centennial since start of Showa era

Ceremony marking centennial since start of Showa era

A government-sponsored ceremony marking the centennial of the start of the Showa era (1926-1989) is held at the Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on April 29, 2026, a national holiday marking the birthday of the late Emperor Showa.

Ceremony marking centennial since start of Showa era

Ceremony marking centennial since start of Showa era

A government-sponsored ceremony marking the centennial of the start of the Showa era (1926-1989) is held at the Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on April 29, 2026, a national holiday marking the birthday of the late Emperor Showa.

Welcome ceremony at Univ. of Tokyo

Welcome ceremony at Univ. of Tokyo

University of Tokyo President Teruo Fujii delivers a speech during a welcome ceremony for new students at the Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on April 13, 2026.

Welcome ceremony of Univ. of Tokyo

Welcome ceremony of Univ. of Tokyo

A welcome ceremony is held for new students of the University of Tokyo at the Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on April 13, 2026.

Tokyo Deaflympics

Tokyo Deaflympics

People form a long line in front of the Tokyo Budokan martial arts hall in Tokyo on Nov. 16, 2025, ahead of judo matches at the Tokyo Deaflympics.

Japan marks 80th anniv. of WWII surrender

TOKYO, Japan, Aug. 15 Kyodo - A memorial ceremony for the war dead is held at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. (Kyodo)

Japan marks 80th anniv. of WWII surrender

Japan marks 80th anniv. of WWII surrender

A memorial ceremony for the war dead is held at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

haJapan marks 80th anniv. of WWII surrender

haJapan marks 80th anniv. of WWII surrender

Attendees observe a moment of silence during a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Japan marks 80th anniv. of WWII surrender

Japan marks 80th anniv. of WWII surrender

People lay flowers during a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Japan marks 80th anniv. of WWII surrender

Japan marks 80th anniv. of WWII surrender

People lay flowers during a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Japan marks 80th anniv. of WWII surrender

Japan marks 80th anniv. of WWII surrender

People offer silent prayers during a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Japan marks 80th anniv. of WWII surrender

Japan marks 80th anniv. of WWII surrender

People offer silent prayers during a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Japan marks 80th anniv. of WWII surrender

Japan marks 80th anniv. of WWII surrender

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba lays flowers during a memorial ceremony for the war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Japan marks 80th anniv. of WWII surrender

Japan marks 80th anniv. of WWII surrender

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony for war dead at Nippon Budokan hall in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025, the 80th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.