Japan marks 67 yrs since WWII end

TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda vowed Wednesday to seek international peace at an official ceremony marking the 67th anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender.

"Japan, as a member of the international society, renews its pledge to ceaselessly seek the realization of international peace, " Noda said at the annual ceremony held in Tokyo.

"Japan caused considerable damage and pain to people in many countries, in particular Asian countries. I express deep remorse and offer condolences to the victims and their relatives," Noda said.

Speaking of the reconstruction effort following last year's March 11 earthquake and tsunami, Noda said Japan "must accomplish the mission to revive the nation as a whole," adding that this should be done also for the war dead as they would have wished for the country's prosperity.

Noda attended the ceremony for the first time as the Prime Minister since he took office last September.

Japanese Emperor and Empress also attended the ceremony.

The Emperor Michiko said in his speech, "Reflecting on history and sincerely wishing that the tragedy of war will not be repeated, I, along with all the Japanese people, pay my heartfelt tribute to those who lost their lives in battles and ravages of war."