Former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama turned 100, the Asahi Shimbun newspaper reported on March 3.
It was he who, as prime minister, made a historic declaration of “repentance” for Japan’s actions in World War II.
Celebrating his centenary on March 2, he expressed hope that the country would continue its peaceful post-war path.
Murayama was born in Oita on March 3, 1924. He served as Prime Minister for 561 days, from June 30, 1994 to January 11, 1996.
He became the third prime minister in Japanese history to reach the age of 100. The other two are Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni, who died in 1990 at the age of 102, and Yasuhiro Nakasone, who died in 2019 at the age of 101.
With his characteristic bushy eyebrows, Murayama earned the reputation of a prime minister for the common people.
In a statement issued by the Social Democratic Party, successor to the Japanese Socialist Party he led, Murayama said: “I hope that Japan will always remain a peaceful country.”
He added: “I don’t really feel like I’m 100 years old, but I’m happy to live naturally and spend every day with my family.”
Regarding his daily routine, he said: “I really want to watch sumo on television. “I go to kindergarten three times a week and still walk and exercise twice a day.”
Mizuho Fukushima, leader of the SDP, said in a message posted on social media: “Congratulations to you and your wife on celebrating 100 years together! “We will do everything we can to achieve peace.”
Source: Rossa Primavera
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