Japanese Emperor Akihito expressed sorrow on Tuesday for those who died during the Second World War in Southeast Asia, Kyodo News reported.

"A great many people, including Japanese, lost their lives (in Southeast Asia), and this grieves my heart whenever I think back on it," the emperor told a news conference ahead of an 8-day trip to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand beginning later this week.

It is important for people to remember history and strive to cooperate with one another in order to create a peaceful world, Emperor Akihito was quoted as saying.

The emperor said he is looking forward to contributing to enhancing friendly relations between Japan and the three Southeast Asian countries based on a full understanding of history.

Source: Xinhua