28th Summer Reunion for Peace and Friendship

2025/6/27
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On 27 June, Ambassador Hiroshi Suzuki hosted the 28th Summer Reunion for Peace and Friendship at the Embassy of Japan in the UK.

The first Summer Reunion took place at the Embassy in 1997 as a forum for former prisoners of war and former civilian internees and their families who had been detained or imprisoned for various reasons during the war, as well as individuals who had supported reconciliation projects, to talk to each other, to understand each other, and to promote reconciliation between Japan and the UK.

This year, approximately 160 participants attended. Attendees were delighted to reunite after a year and further strengthened their bonds of friendship.

Ambassador Suzuki expressed his delight that so many people from across the UK had attended the reception this year, which marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Ambassador Suzuki also expressed his sincere gratitude to all the people who have tirelessly endeavored to heal the wounds of the war, seek reconciliation, and foster friendship.

Ambassador Suzuki stated that over the past 80 years since the end of the Second World War, Japan has rejected militarism and has steadfastly walked its path as a peace-loving nation. He also emphasised that Japan and the UK are united by fundamental values and share common strategic values, and Japan, under G7 solidarity, has been extending its maximum support to Ukraine and imposing draconian sanctions on Russia.

Ambassador Suzuki highlighted the close cooperation between Japan and the UK in the fields of security, economics, and people-to-people exchanges, referring to joint development of next-generation fighter jets (GCAP), the visit of British Carrier Strike Groups to Japan, the UK's participation in the CPTPP, and the Working Holiday Visa scheme.

Ambassador Suzuki also mentioned that many children and grandchildren of those who experienced the war participated in the event and expressed his hope that the reunion will continue to serve as an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of the past, seek reconciliation and foster friendship.