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Japan Crown prince turns 55, vowing to inherit history correctly

Xinhua, February 23, 2015 Adjust font size:

Naruhito, Crown Prince of Japan, marked his 55th birthday on Monday by calling for handing down history correctly ahead of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II later this year, local media reported.

"I have not experienced the war, but it is important to look back to the past humbly and correctly pass down tragic experiences and the history behind Japan to the generations who have no direct knowledge of the war, at a time memories of the war is about to fade," he said at a press conference.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII, and many countries will hold memorial ceremonies. Regarding this, the crown prince said: "I hope this year will be an opportunity to take the preciousness of peace to heart and renew our determination to pursue peace."

As for Japan's pacifist constitution, which Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe eyes revising, Naruhito said: "Japanese people enjoy peace and prosperity in the postwar period, which is built with the Japanese Constitution as the cornerstone."

In his "New Year Thoughts" released on Jan. 1 this year, Japanese Emperor Akihito also mentioned that Japan should learn from history.

Naruhito is the eldest son of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, which makes him the first heir to the Japanese throne. Endi