Japan's Emperor Naruhito, marking his 65th birthday Sunday, stressed the importance of telling the tragedy of World War II to younger generations, pledging to contribute to efforts to promote the understanding of history and the determination for peace as the world this year observes the 80th anniversary of the war's end.

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, marking his 65th birthday Sunday, stressed the importance of telling the tragedy of World War II to younger generations, pledging to contribute to efforts to promote

A public gathering was held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Sunday to celebrate Japanese Emperor Naruhito’s 65th birthday on the day. “I wish everyone around the country a peaceful spring,” the Emperor told crowds of people who gathered at the palace in the Japanese capital’s Chiyoda Ward for the greeting event.

Thousands of people gathered on the streets of Tokyo to mark the 65th birthday of Japanese Emperor Naruhito. They waved paper flags and shouted “Banzai,” which means “long live."