The Emperor of Japan delivered a speech in English on June 18, 2026 [2], during a state banquet at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam.
The address serves as a diplomatic effort to reinforce international peace by acknowledging the tragedies of the past and ensuring that future generations avoid repeating them.
The Emperor spoke for approximately 18 minutes [1] during the event. He focused on the loss of human life during previous global conflicts, specifically noting the tragedy of civilian casualties.
"In the last great war, it is truly regrettable that many precious lives, including many civilians, were lost and many people were injured," the Emperor said [3].
He emphasized that the global community must maintain a posture of humility when reviewing historical events. By doing so, he said, society can better protect the peace that currently exists.
"We must constantly and humbly learn from the history of the past and convey the miserable experiences and hardships to future generations so as not to repeat the sorrow," the Emperor said [3].
The state banquet followed a visit to the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague the previous day [2]. The Emperor was accompanied by the Empress during the official visit to the Netherlands.
Throughout the address, the Emperor linked the preservation of memory to the prevention of future conflict. He suggested that the act of remembering is not merely a reflection on the past but a necessary tool for global stability.
“"We must constantly and humbly learn from the history of the past"”
This address reflects the Japanese monarchy's continuing role in 'soft diplomacy,' using the Emperor's platform to signal a commitment to pacifism and historical reconciliation. By delivering the speech in English at a European royal palace, the Emperor directly engages with international audiences to frame Japan's historical reflection as a universal lesson for global peace.
