Japan’s Ex-PM Tomiichi Murayama Dies at 101, WWII Apology Icon

Japan’s political landscape bids farewell to one of its most notable leaders. Tomiichi Murayama, former prime minister renowned for his landmark apology over World War II, passed away Friday at the age of 101 in Oita City.

Murayama’s name became synonymous with humility and accountability when, in 1995, he delivered a historic statement marking the 50th anniversary of Japan’s surrender. In it, he expressed “deep remorse” over the suffering Japan’s colonial rule and military aggression caused across Asia, setting a precedent for future Japanese leaders.

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Murayama led the country during a turbulent period from 1994 to 1996. His tenure was marked by the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, which devastated western Japan, and the horrific sarin gas attack on Tokyo’s subway that claimed more than a dozen lives and injured thousands. Despite these challenges, he remained a symbol of political resilience and moral responsibility.

Before his political career, Murayama had firsthand experience of war. Conscripted into the Japanese Imperial Army in 1944 while still a university student, he recalled the dire conditions, bamboo weapons, and strict military discipline that forbade dissent. These early experiences shaped his perspective on leadership and peace.

Known for his distinctive bushy eyebrows and his ability to build coalitions—including Japan’s dominant Liberal Democratic Party—Murayama helped bridge divides in postwar Japanese politics. His 1995 apology continues to resonate, influencing statements by successive prime ministers on the anniversaries of World War II.

Murayama’s passing at 101 marks the end of an era. He is remembered not only for his political achievements but also for his rare blend of humility, moral clarity, and dedication to confronting difficult truths of history.