‘전쟁신사’ 야스쿠니에 갇힌 조선인 혼령…유족들 “합사 철회” 눈물의 호소

Recent statements by renowned academic Professor Yada Takashi at a joint action symposium in Tokyo's Minato Municipal Conference Hall highlight the deep connection between the Yasukuni Shrine and Korean individuals who served in the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. Professor Yada emphasized that the integration of Yasukuni Shrine into a purely religious institution is a problematic and unconstitutional notion.

He further explained that the Imperial Japanese Army was not a "national army," but rather an organization under civilian control, specifically the Prime Minister. The rise of right-wing rhetoric in Japan, such as "war-capable country" and "resurgence of militarism," has intensified these concerns. The academic argued that those advocating for the inclusion of Korean war casualties into Yasukuni Shrine are perpetuating an illusion of continuity between the former Japanese Empire and the wartime Japanese military, thereby attempting to establish Yasukuni Shrine as a shrine for both World War II enemies and allies.

The Yasukuni Shrine's association with war crimes and its role in obscuring Japan's wartime responsibilities continue to be a contentious issue for Korean descendants who were drafted into the Japanese military and faced harsh consequences for their actions.