Governor Attends Memorial Service for War Dead Held by TMG

On August 15, Governor Koike attended the “Memorial Service for War Dead by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for FY2026” held at Bunkyo Civic Hall in Bunkyo Ward.

The governor stated, “On behalf of the citizens of Tokyo, I offer my deepest condolences to the spirits of all those who lost their lives in the war. When I give thought to the vexation of the many who fell victim and the deep sorrow of their bereaved families, whose sadness remains unhealed even now, I cannot help but feel deep grief at the cruelty and tragedy of war.

Now that those who have never experienced war make up the majority of the population, it is our important mission to look back on the hardships of our predecessors and pass on the value of peace to future generations. As I attend this ceremony, I once again engrave deep down inside that we must not repeat the horrors of war. Today, we also have junior high and senior high school students in attendance, who will lead the next generation. I hope that they will reflect on what they have felt here in their daily lives and deepen their thoughts about peace.

Turning our eyes to the world, the outlook of the international community has become increasingly uncertain, as seen in the turmoil in the Middle East and Russia’s protracted invasion of Ukraine, among other factors. The security environment surrounding our country is in its most difficult and complex situation in the post-war period. In addition to natural disasters such as large earthquakes and heat waves, we are also facing global-scale challenges that threaten people’s lives and livelihoods, including issues surrounding energy and food.

It is cooperation, not conflict or division, that gives us the strength to overcome these difficulties. I believe that when the international community unites in hope and takes action, we can create a better tomorrow. We hereby pledge to pass on to our children a world that is peaceful and filled with dreams and hope.