[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.

Memorial service for Japanese, U.S. war dead

Memorial service for Japanese, U.S. war dead

An attendee prays during a joint memorial ceremony for 36 Japanese war dead and 11 U.S. B-29 bomber crew members in Nabari in Mie Prefecture, central Japan, on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Memorial service for war dead in Philippines

Memorial service for war dead in Philippines

People observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony in Caliraya, the Philippines, to honor those who died in the Pacific War, organized by the Japanese Embassy in Manila, on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Memorial service for war dead in Philippines

Memorial service for war dead in Philippines

People observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony in Caliraya, the Philippines, to honor those who died in the Pacific War, organized by the Japanese Embassy in Manila, on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Memorial service for war dead in Philippines

Memorial service for war dead in Philippines

People observe a moment of silence at a memorial ceremony in Caliraya, the Philippines, to honor those who died in the Pacific War, organized by the Japanese Embassy in Manila, on Aug. 15, 2026, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Memorial service for war dead in Philippines

Memorial service for war dead in Philippines

People lay flowers at a memorial ceremony in Caliraya, the Philippines, to honor those who died in the Pacific War, organized by the Japanese Embassy in Manila, 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.

[Breaking News]81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

NAGASAKI, Japan, Aug. 9 Kyodo - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi prepares to place a wreath during a memorial ceremony held at Peace Park in Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 2026, to mark the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the southwestern Japan city in World War II. (Kyodo)

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (C) visits Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum in Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 2026, after attending a memorial ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the southwestern Japan city in World War II. (Pool photo)

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) visits a nursery home for atomic bomb survivors in Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 2026, after attending a memorial ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the southwestern Japan city in World War II. (Pool photo)

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) visits a nursery home for atomic bomb survivors in Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 2026, after attending a memorial ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the southwestern Japan city in World War II. (Pool photo)

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (far L) receives paper listing a set of demands during a meeting with representatives of groups of atomic bomb survivors in Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 2026, after attending a memorial ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the southwestern Japan city in World War II. (Pool photo)

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi holds a press conference in Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 2026, after attending a memorial ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the southwestern Japan city in World War II.

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (back) receives paper listing a set of demands during a meeting with representatives of groups of atomic bomb survivors in Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 2026, after attending a memorial ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the southwestern Japan city in World War II.

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

Survivor Chiyoko Motomura, 87, speaks during a memorial ceremony held at Peace Park in Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 2026, to mark the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the southwestern Japan city in World War II.

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

Survivor Chiyoko Motomura, 87, speaks during a memorial ceremony held at Peace Park in Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 2026, to mark the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the southwestern Japan city in World War II.

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets with representatives of groups of atomic bomb survivors in Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 2026, after attending a memorial ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the southwestern Japan city in World War II.

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi meets with representatives of groups of atomic bomb survivors in Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 2026, after attending a memorial ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the southwestern Japan city in World War II.

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki reads out the Peace Declaration during a memorial ceremony held at Peace Park in Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 2026, to mark the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the southwestern Japan city in World War II.

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki (3rd from L) prepares to place a wreath during a memorial ceremony held at Peace Park in Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 2026, to mark the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the southwestern Japan city in World War II.

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi prepares to place a wreath during a memorial ceremony held at Peace Park in Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 2026, to mark the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the southwestern Japan city in World War II.

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during a memorial ceremony held at Peace Park in Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 2026, to mark the 81st anniversary of the U.S. atomic bombing of the southwestern Japan city in World War II.

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

81st A-bomb anniversary in Nagasaki

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (2nd from R) observes a moment of silence during a memorial ceremony at Peace Park in Nagasaki at 11:02 a.m. on Aug. 9, 2026, the exact time when a U.S. atomic bomb was dropped on the southwestern Japan city 81 years earlier in World War II.