Ex-PM Ishiba says Japan must 'look past in the eye' over WWII

PoliticsAdmonishment by late Singaporean leader Lee Kuan Yew shaped view on responsibilityFormer Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks with Nikkei during an interview in his office. (Photo by Hikaru Yagi)KOUTA OHYAMAAugust 14, 2026 14:40 JSTTOKYO -- Every year on Aug. 15, Asia is confronted with lingering rifts over how to remember World War II. For Japan, it is a solemn day to mark the end of the conflict, while some of its former colonies and countries that it invaded celebrate their liberation.