Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan attend a ceremony marking the 71st anniversary of the end of World War II in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2016.

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan attend a ceremony marking the 71st anniversary of the end of World War II in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2016. 'Reflecting on our past and bearing in mind the feelings of deep remorse, I earnestly hope that the ravages of war will never be repeated,' the emperor said.

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan attend a ceremony marking the 71st anniversary of the end of World War II in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2016. 

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko attend a ceremony marking the 71st anniversary of the end of World War II in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2016. 'Reflecting on our past and bearing in mind the feelings of deep remorse, I earnestly hope that the ravages of war will never be repeated,' the emperor said.

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan attend a ceremony marking the 71st anniversary of the end of World War II in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2016.

Japanese Emperor Akihito (R) and Empress Michiko (L) bow before an altar during the official annual memorial service for war victims, in Tokyo on August 15, 2016. Japan marked the 71st anniversary of the end of the World War II on August 15

Japanese Emperor Akihito (R) and Empress Michiko (L) offer silent prayers before an altar during the official annual memorial service for war victims, in Tokyo on August 15, 2016. Japan marked the 71st anniversary of the end of the World War II on August 15.

Japanese Emperor Akihito (R) and Empress Michiko (L) bow in response to attendees during the official annual memorial service for war victims in Tokyo on August 15, 2016. Japan marked the 71st anniversary of the end of the World War II on August 15. 

Japanese Emperor Akihito (L) and Empress Michiko (R) attend the annual memorial service for war victims, which is held by the government in Tokyo on August 15, 2016 Japan on August 15 marked the 71st anniversary of the end of the World War II.