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.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed “remorse” over the war in an Aug. 15 address. The regretful behavior reflects a change in perception of Japan’s actions during World War II, as former premier Shinzo Abe shunned the topic in 2013.

Japan marked the 80th anniversary of its World War Two defeat on Friday, with at least one cabinet minister joining thousands of visitors at a shrine that Japan's Asian neighbours view as a symbol of its wartime aggression.