Japanese Emperor Akihito on Friday offered New Year's greetings during an event at the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo, praying for peace for people of Japan and people of the world.

"At the start of the year, I pray for peace and happiness for the people of Japan and the people of the world," said the emperor.

The emperor also released his "New Year Thoughts" a day earlier, emphasizing the country should learn from history in the year of 2015 which marks the 70 anniversary of the end of the World War II.

He said in a statement that "it is most important for us to take this opportunity to study and learn from the history of this war ... as we consider the future direction of our country."

The war cost many people's lives, he said.

The emperor's remarks came at a time when Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he will issue a new statement during the 70th anniversary of the end of the World War II.

The move stirred concerns worldwide, especially from Japan's neighboring countries, due to his right-leaning policies and moves during his rule in the past two years.