Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi did not visit the controversial Yasukuni Shrine on the 81st anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. However, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi’s visit to the shrine drew an angry response from China. South Korea also urged caution regarding relations with Japan, recalling a painful chapter of history.
Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine honors nearly 2.4 million Japanese who died in World War II, including 14 war criminals. For this reason, the shrine is viewed by China and South Korea as a symbol of Japanese militarism. During World War II, Japan occupied China, Korea, and various parts of Southeast Asia.
UK-based outlet The Independent reported Sunday that although Prime Minister Takaichi had previously pledged to visit the shrine on Surrender Day, she did not go this time. Analysts see her move as signaling a prioritization of diplomatic relations with China and South Korea. However, in her address the previous day, Saturday, she made no mention of Japan’s wartime aggression and atrocities in Asia, nor did she express any remorse for them.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Koizumi visited the shrine to pay respects. Three other ruling party leaders also paid tribute alongside him there. China’s foreign ministry lodged a strong protest over the Japanese defense minister’s visit, alleging its purpose was to reconsider the culpability of war criminals, obscure Japan’s war crimes, and accelerate the country’s militarization by distorting history.
Beijing has called on Japan to engage in “deep self-reflection” and move away from militarism.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said cooperation between the two countries to address shared challenges is now more important than ever before. He said new relations must be built with respect for those still suffering from the pain of history.
Meanwhile, Emperor Naruhito expressed hope that the horrors of war would never return. Reflecting with deep remorse on the past, he also emphasized the importance of passing on memories of wartime suffering to future generations.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report