A look at the history and beliefs behind Japan's controversial shrine to the war dead
(AP) -- Emperor Meiji first visited the site that would become one of Japan's most controversial shrines in 1874. He vowed that the names of those who
Yasukuni Shrine, situated in central Tokyo, is one of Japan's most contentious shrines dedicated to the war-dead. Established in 1874, the shrine honors those who died for their country, currently enshrining over 2.4 million souls. Among them are 14 war criminals, including those convicted of crimes against peace, who are commemorated each August 15th, marking Japan's surrender during World War II.
The origins of Yasukuni can be traced back to the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century, when Emperor Meiji initiated the construction of the shrine to honor those who perished defending the imperial cause. The shrine's name, meaning 'peaceful country', reflects its initial purpose. However, the concept of State Shinto, which blurred the line between religion and state, emerged during the Meiji era, elevating the emperor's divine status.
Post-WWII, the separation of religion and state led to Yasukuni's transformation into a private religious corporation. Nevertheless, its controversial enshrinement of war criminals has sparked criticism from Asian nations, particularly China and South Korea, which view it as a sign of insufficient remorse for Japan's wartime aggression.
Yasukuni Shrine is not a traditional cemetery, but rather enshrines the kami, or sacred spirits, of those honored. These include soldiers, women who provided battlefield aid, wartime production workers, and foreign nationals who died serving Japan. Notable controversial enshrinements include Class-A war criminals, such as wartime Prime Minister Hideki Tojo, and others, including Buddhists, Christians, Koreans, and Taiwanese, whose inclusion has been disputed.
For some bereaved families, Yasukuni represents personal grief, while for others, it symbolizes the restoration of what they perceive as lost during the war and foreign occupation. The Yushukan Museum, located adjacent to the shrine, displays wartime artifacts, often leaving out the perspectives of China and Korea under Japanese imperialism.
Visitors to Yasukuni often express a spiritual connection, believing it to be a place of purification, gratitude, and reflection on the nation's history, rather than an endorsement of war.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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