TOKYO (Xinhua) - Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan apologized to Asian countries for aggression during the World War II Sunday at a ceremony to mark the 65th anniversary of Japan's unconditional surrender, and avoided visiting a controversial shrine where the top Japanese war criminals were honored.

"Japan inflicted great damage and pain on people in Asian countries," Kan said, adding that he extended his condolence to people who died in the war and his country should "actively contribute to the establishment of ever-lasting peace in the world. "

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Japanese PM apologizes to Asian countries, shuns war-related shrine  - Philippine Star