Japan on Saturday marked the 75th anniversary of its surrender in World War II with a somber ceremony that was scaled back by the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the annual government-sponsored event held in Nippon Budokan Hall in Tokyo, about 540 participants paid tribute to the war dead and prayed for peace.
Efforts to reduce infections from the novel coronavirus loomed large over much of the ceremony: Less than a tenth of the total from last year attended, seating was arranged to maintain social distancing, attendants were required to wear masks and singing was prohibited during the national anthem.
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