Korean media linked Prime Minister Kishida's speech at the war memorial service to his decision not to run in the previous day's LDP presidential election, saying he would ”finish his term without any reflection.”
On the 15th, Japan celebrated Victory over Japan Day and South Korea celebrated Gwangbokjeol (the anniversary of liberation from Japanese colonial rule). On this day, a national memorial service for the war dead was held in Japan, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida attended.