A-bomb survivors disappointed by PM’s no answer: Ishiba expresses willingness to issue message based on war’s 80th anniversary but avoids timing
Aug. 7, 2025
by Masaharu Nakagawa, Staff Writer
In a press conference held in Naka Ward, Hiroshima, on August 6, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed his intention to issue a message marking 80 years since the end of the war, saying, “I want to consider a system in which war never happens again.” However, he avoided making a clear statement about the timing of the message as he had been asked whether he would resign or not following a crushing defeat in the Upper House election.
Mr. Ishiba emphasized his thought of following official statements made by the prime ministers on the 50th, 60th, and 70th anniversaries of the end of the war, saying, “Each statement carries significance built on profound ideas.” On the other hand, he said, “I want to consider how to prevent war based on those statements,” and indicated his idea to review the background that led to the war.
While Mr. Ishiba has delayed issuing a message marking 80 years since the end of the war, which requires cabinet approval, he has been quietly consulting experts behind the scenes. Regarding the timing of the message, he simply said, “I’ll consider the best time.” Some believe he will make the statement on September 2, the date Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender, and opposition from the Liberal Democratic Party members calling for his early resignation appears likely to gain momentum.
When asked at the press conference how he would take responsibility for the Upper House election results, Mr. Ishiba said, “Naturally, I must sincerely listen to many people.” Referring to tariff negotiations between Japan and the United States, he said he would continue them, saying, “I will carry them out properly while safeguarding the Japan’s national interest.”
(Originally published on August 7, 2025)
In a press conference held in Naka Ward, Hiroshima, on August 6, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed his intention to issue a message marking 80 years since the end of the war, saying, “I want to consider a system in which war never happens again.” However, he avoided making a clear statement about the timing of the message as he had been asked whether he would resign or not following a crushing defeat in the Upper House election.
Mr. Ishiba emphasized his thought of following official statements made by the prime ministers on the 50th, 60th, and 70th anniversaries of the end of the war, saying, “Each statement carries significance built on profound ideas.” On the other hand, he said, “I want to consider how to prevent war based on those statements,” and indicated his idea to review the background that led to the war.
While Mr. Ishiba has delayed issuing a message marking 80 years since the end of the war, which requires cabinet approval, he has been quietly consulting experts behind the scenes. Regarding the timing of the message, he simply said, “I’ll consider the best time.” Some believe he will make the statement on September 2, the date Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender, and opposition from the Liberal Democratic Party members calling for his early resignation appears likely to gain momentum.
When asked at the press conference how he would take responsibility for the Upper House election results, Mr. Ishiba said, “Naturally, I must sincerely listen to many people.” Referring to tariff negotiations between Japan and the United States, he said he would continue them, saying, “I will carry them out properly while safeguarding the Japan’s national interest.”
(Originally published on August 7, 2025)
