Japan’s Defense Minister Koizumi prays at shrine seen by neighbors as symbol of Japanese militarism
TOKYO (AP) — Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Saturday prayed at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, seen by Japan’s Asian neighbors as a symbol of the country’s past militarism. Koizumi has often been at the controversial…
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi made a visit to Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine on Saturday, a site that is perceived by neighboring Asian nations as emblematic of Japan’s historical militarism. Koizumi, who is no stranger to the shrine, has often been seen there. The shrine pays tribute to those who died in World War II, including convicted war criminals.
This has drawn criticism from China and South Korea, who view such visits as evidence of Japan’s insensitivity towards its wartime transgressions. Koizumi typically attends the shrine annually to commemorate Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945, and other significant events. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who also frequents the site, is anticipated to miss this visit to focus on diplomatic relations with the neighboring countries.
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