Tokyo (AFP)

Japan's Emperor Naruhito, who rose to the throne of Chrysanthemum on May 1, expressed for the first time on Thursday a ruler of "deep remorse" for Japan's atrocities during the Second World War.

"In reflecting on our own past and feeling deeply remorseful, I sincerely hope that the ravages of war will never be repeated," he said at a ceremony in Tokyo commemorating the end of the global conflict with the world. capitulation of Japan on August 15, 1945.

He also confessed "feeling great sadness again for the large number of dead and their families".

With these words, Naruhito fits in the full continuity of his father Akihito, who had also used this expression of "deep remorse" from 2015.

It was the first time a Japanese emperor used this formula, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the unconditional surrender of the archipelago.

Before Akihito's abdication in April, Naruhito, 59, had already hinted that he would perpetuate his father's willingness to recognize the abuses committed by the Japanese army in wartime, and wished the story to be taught objectively to younger generations.

Although he was not allowed to discuss political issues, Akihito managed to distil his opinions on this issue in a very subtle way.

In the presence of more than 6,000 guests, the emperor, dressed in a black tailcoat suit, participated in this annual ceremony, the first of the Reiwa era ("beautiful harmony") with his wife, the Empress Masako, in a gray skirt and a little matching round hat.

- Seoul is reaching out -

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also spoke just before the sovereign, hoping that the horrors of war will not happen again, while expressing his "respect" and "gratitude" for those who are are "sacrificed" for the country.

Assuming, however, his nationalist orientation, Mr. Abe, whose grandfather Nobusuke Kishi had been arrested for war crimes but not tried by the court in Tokyo, sent an offering to the controversial Yasukuni shrine Wednesday, as he took the habit.

This Shinto shrine in the Japanese capital honors the souls of soldiers and civilians who died for Japan during modern wars, including 14 convicted war criminals, which is worth to Japan the ire of neighboring countries, China and Korea. South in the lead.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry said Thursday it was appalled that "Japanese government officials and parliamentarians make offerings or go to the Yasukuni Shrine, which glorifies Japan's colonial past ..." war criminals ".

He once again asked the Japanese leaders to "humbly reflect" on the historical feuds inherited from the time of the Japanese Peninsula's colonization of the Korean peninsula (1910-1945).

However, also on Thursday, South Korean President Moon Jae-in has adopted a rather conciliatory tone towards Tokyo, while bilateral relations have become significantly worse in recent weeks.

The two countries have recently imposed reciprocal restrictions on exports of sensitive products, officially for reasons of national security.

"If Japan chooses the path of dialogue and cooperation, we will gladly reach out," said Moon in a speech marking the 74th anniversary of Korea's liberation.

"We hope that Japan will play a leading role in the peace and prosperity of South-East Asia," added the president who, in early August, used words that were far less appealing, saying his country "would never be beaten." by Japan ".

© 2019 AFP