Social Democratic Party Calls for Cabinet Decision to Reaffirm Murayama Statement on 80th Anniversary of War’s End
Tokyo, Japan – August 8, 2025 – As Japan marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has issued a strong call for the current government to officially adopt and reaffirm the spirit of the Murayama Statement through a cabinet decision. The party’s stance was clearly articulated in a statement released today, titled “[主張] 敗戦から８０年の節目 ～ 村山談話を踏襲する石破談話の閣議決定を求める” (A Statement on the 80th Anniversary of the End of the War: Seeking a Cabinet Decision on a Statement Following the Murayama Statement).
The SDP’s statement, published at 07:41 JST on August 8, 2025, emphasizes the profound significance of this milestone in Japan’s post-war history. The Murayama Statement, delivered by Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama in 1995 on the 50th anniversary of the war’s end, expressed deep remorse and a sincere apology for the suffering caused by Japan’s colonial rule and aggression. It also stated Japan’s commitment to peace and non-aggression.
The party argues that on the 80th anniversary, it is imperative for the government, led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, to demonstrate continuity with Japan’s post-war commitment to peace and to address contemporary challenges to this commitment. By formally adopting a new statement that clearly upholds and echoes the sentiments of the Murayama Statement through a cabinet decision, the SDP believes the government can send a clear message both domestically and internationally about Japan’s unwavering dedication to peace, reconciliation, and the avoidance of future conflict.
The SDP’s call highlights concerns about potential shifts in historical perception and the importance of reinforcing the foundational principles that have guided Japan’s post-war identity. The party asserts that a cabinet decision would lend greater weight and permanence to this commitment, ensuring that it is not merely a declaration but a formally recognized policy direction.
While the exact content of the proposed “Ishiba Statement” is not detailed in the SDP’s announcement, the emphasis on “following the Murayama Statement” suggests a focus on acknowledging past wrongdoings, expressing remorse, and reaffirming Japan’s pacifist constitution and its commitment to peaceful diplomatic solutions.
This call from the Social Democratic Party is likely to spark further discussion and debate within Japan regarding the nation’s historical understanding and its role in the international community as it navigates the complex geopolitical landscape of the 21st century. The 80th anniversary of the war’s end provides a critical juncture for reflection and reaffirmation of core values, and the SDP’s advocacy for a cabinet decision on a statement reflecting the Murayama Statement’s legacy underscores the ongoing importance of this historical reckoning.
【主張】敗戦から８０年の節目 ～ 村山談話を踏襲する石破談話の閣議決定を求める
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社民党 published ‘【主張】敗戦から８０年の節目 ～ 村山談話を踏襲する石破談話の閣議決定を求める’ at 2025-08-08 07:41. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.