Koreans appeal to Japan to remove ancestors’ names from Yasukuni Shrine
Critics gathered in Tokyo to decry the inclusion of Korean ancestors' names at Yasukuni Shrine, a revered symbol of Japanese militarism. Sanae Takaichi, Japan's conservative administration leader, has fueled discussions about the nation's wartime past. Professors and advocates from various groups argued that enshrining war victims alongside war criminals violates the separation of church and state.
They emphasized that Japan's postwar military, the JSDF, operates under civilian leadership, contrasting with the former Japanese Empire's imperial connections. The historical manipulation of wartime atrocities, such as the forced suicides of Okinawan civilians, was highlighted as evidence of historical bias. Korean descendants have been fighting for a decade to have their ancestors' names removed from Yasukuni, despite multiple court rejections.
Survivors of enshrined victims, including Lee Hee-ja and Jang Jin-hwa, expressed personal anguish over the continued association with war criminals.
Written by urgent.news from The Hankyoreh's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
