By MARI YAMAGUCHI

TOKYO (AP) — Japan paid tribute Friday to more than 3 million war dead as the country marked its surrender that ended World War II 80 years ago, as concern grows about the rapidly fading memories of the tragedy of war and the bitter lessons from the era of Japanese militarism.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed “remorse” over the war — the first time a Japanese leader has used the word in a Aug. 15 address since former premier Shinzo Abe shunned it in 2013.

Ishiba called the war a mistake, but did not mention Japan’s aggression across Asia or apologize.

Guests queue to attend a memorial service marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War II defeat, at the Nippon Budokan hall Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Japan’s Prime Min

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