Editorial

16:14 JST, August 15, 2025

Friday marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The national memorial service for the war dead is set to be held in Tokyo. It is hoped that heartfelt prayers for the 3.1 million people who lost their lives in the war can be offered and that a pledge for peace can be renewed.

Japan has enjoyed peace and prosperity over the past 80 years. This is solely because it has been able to continue its economic activities and other endeavors within the U.S.-led international order based on the rule of law and free trade.

However, that international order is becoming increasingly shaky. This is partly because the United States has begun to turn its back on multilateral cooperation.

The U.N. Security Council is in a position to lead the world toward peace and stability, but its key member Russia, a permanent member of the council, has continued its aggression against Ukraine.

In the Middle East, Israel has gone beyond its right to self-defense and is killing large numbers of civilians in the Palestinian territory of Gaza.

Japan must not be allowed to merely stand by and watch this situation, or continue to be a beneficiary of peace. Japan should take the lead in firing up international opinion for the rebuilding of order and the restoration of peace.

Japan has long provided help to developing countries through........

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