The soft-spoken emperor, whose father announced Japan`s surrender 70 years ago, urged Japan not to forget the suffering of the war and to promote reconciliation with Asian countries. The emperor has made similar remarks at various occasions, but it was the first time that he said such words at the annual memorial ceremony on Aug. 15. This new addition of „deep remorse“ in the annual statement is seen by analysts as a subtle rebuke of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.