Former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama will celebrate his 100th birthday on the 3rd of this month, and on the 1st, he made a speech through the Social Democratic Party of Japan, hoping that Japan will always be a country that adheres to peace.
Murayama was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1972. In June 1994, the Liberal Democratic Party, the Socialist Party and the Pioneer New Party formed a governing coalition. Murayama, then chairman of the Socialist Party, became prime minister and resigned in January 1996. The Socialist Party was the predecessor of the SPD.
Former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama delivers a speech at a press conference held by the Foreign Correspondents' Association in Tokyo, Japan, July 29, 2015. Xinhua News Agency.
During his administration, Murayama advocated "peace with the common people", upheld the pacifist constitution, and took the road of a peaceful country.
In May 1995, Murayama visited China and became the first Japanese prime minister to visit the Lugou Bridge and the Chinese Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall, leaving an inscription that reads, "Face history squarely, pray for friendship and permanent peace between Japan and China."
On August 15 of the same year, on the occasion of the 50 th anniversary of Japan's unconditional surrender, Murayama issued the famous "Murayama Statement" in the form of a cabinet resolution, acknowledging that Japan had pursued a wrong national policy in the past, had taken the road of war, and that "colonial rule and aggression had caused tremendous damage and suffering to the peoples of many countries, especially Asian countries," and that "I would like to express once again my deep remorse and heartfelt apologies." This is the first time that a Japanese prime minister has publicly apologized to a war-victim country on the anniversary of August 15.
Former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama (center) delivers a speech in Tokyo, Japan, July 23, 2015. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Liu Tian.
On August 15, 2020, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Murayama Statement, Murayama expressed his hope that the Speech would continue to contribute to reconciliation, peace and development in Japan, Asia, and the world, and emphasized the importance of building a long-term friendly relationship between Japan and China.
Murayama is now Japan's oldest living former prime minister. He said that the secret of his longevity is to "live naturally without being forced". "I feel blessed to spend every day with my family. He receives day care three times a week, walks and gymnastics twice a day, and enjoys watching big sumo wrestling.
Regarding the current state of Japanese politics, Murayama said, "I hope that Japan will continue to be a peaceful country at any stage." ”
After his retirement, Murayama lived in his hometown of Oita City. According to Fuji TV, on February 23, some junior alumni visited Murayama en masse to celebrate his 100th birthday. According to these people's descriptions, the old man has "not changed at all" compared to before, his waist has not bent, his trademark long eyebrows have not changed, and his ears are a little back, "but he is really energetic".