TOKYO (AP) — Japan paid tribute Friday to more than 3 million war dead as the country marked its surrender that ended World War II 80 years ago, as concern grows about the rapidly fading memories of the tragedy of war and the bitter lessons from the era of Japanese militarism.

Japan on Friday is marking the surrender announcement by then-Emperor Hirohito 80 years ago at the end of World War II.

Japan marked the 80th anniversary of its surrender in World War II during an event in Tokyo on Friday. Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba paid respects to those killed during the conflict.