Japan marks 73rd WWII anniversary(10 images)

Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko attend the memorial service. Akihito's father, Hirohito, led Japan into the war, for which Akihito expressed contrition, saying, "Reflecting on our past and bearing in mind the feelings of deep remorse, I earnestly hope that the ravages of war will never be repeated."

Akihito (R) and Michiko bow at the altar.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe offers flowers during the service.

Abe delivers a speech during the memorial service. He did not visit the Yasukuni Shrine, which is dedicated to the souls of those who died in war, though he did send an offering. South Korea's foreign ministry expressed "deep concern" for his decision to make the offering, due to their past military conflicts.

Families of those who died in the war sing the national anthem.

Families of those lost in the war sing the national anthem.

Veterans' families offer flowers.