BBC NEWS | World | Asia-Pacific | Tokyo remembers 1945 bombing raid: "People in Tokyo have been marking the 60th anniversary of a massive US night-time bombing raid which destroyed much of the city in 1945.
Several memorial services have been held across the city to remember the more than 100,000 people who died.
The raid was part of an American strategy to try to wear down Japanese morale ahead of a possible invasion.
It has remained controversial because of the death toll, but a ceremony expressed little anger towards the US.
At 1000, Buddhist monks began the mournful service of remembrance in a special memorial hall built in Tokyo's Sumida-ku Ward, which was in the centre of the firestorm caused by the US bombing raid 60 years ago.
The low-key service was attended by Prince Akishino, second son of the current emperor, and grandson of Emperor Hirohito who led Japan into the Second World War.
More than 2,000 mainly elderly residents also crowded into the hall, laying bouquets of flowers and lighting incense. "
jueves, marzo 10, 2005
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