Pakistan, Oct. 17 -- TOKYO - Former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama has died at the age of 101, local media reported.

Murayama is best remembered for his historic apology for Japan's actions during World War II, issued on August 15, 1995. Speaking on national television, he expressed deep remorse for Japan's colonial rule and wartime aggression, particularly in Asian countries. His apology became a standard for future Japanese leaders.

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Murayama led a coalition government of the Socialist Party and the Liberal Democratic Party from 1994 to 1996, a period marked by major challenges including the 1995 Kobe earthquake and a deadly sarin gas attack...