Tomiichi Murayama, Japan’s former prime minister and the first leader to publicly apologize for the country’s wartime actions, has died. He was 101.
Murayama served as prime minister from 1994 to 1996. A member of the Japan Socialist Party, he led a coalition government during a politically turbulent period.
On the 50th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, Murayama issued a landmark statement expressing “deep remorse” for the atrocities committed by Japan in Asia during the war. The statement marked a turning point in Japan’s postwar diplomacy and has been referenced by successive administrations.
Murayama’s death was confirmed Friday. Further details were not immediately available.