The National Memorial Service for War Dead in Japan is observed every August 15 to commemorate the victims of the Second World War. This date marks the anniversary of Emperor Hirohito’s announcement of Japan’s surrender, known as the Jewel Voice Broadcast. The first memorial ceremony took place on May 2, 1952, but it was not until 1963 that the service was moved to August 15 to align with this significant historical event. Since 1965, the ceremony has been held at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, an indoor arena originally built for the 1964 Summer Olympics. The event is organized by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and is attended by the Emperor and Empress of Japan, the Prime Minister, and various representatives from political, religious, labor, and business sectors, as well as bereaved families.