Japan's defense chief visits shrine neighbors see as symbol of Japanese militarism
TOKYO — The Japanese defense minister on Saturday prayed at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine , seen by Japan’s Asian neighbors as a symbol of the country’s past militarism. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi , despite her repeated past pledges for a visit on the day marking Japan's surrender, is expected to stay away to avoid diplomatic tensions. Visits by Japanese politicians to the shrine, which also…
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine on Saturday, a site often viewed by neighboring Asian countries as a symbol of Japan's militaristic past. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who has previously pledged to visit the shrine on the anniversary of Japan's surrender, is expected to avoid the visit in order to prevent diplomatic tensions.
The shrine, which honors World War II casualties including convicted war criminals, has been a source of criticism from China and South Korea, who perceive visits by Japanese officials as an indication of Japan's failure to express remorse for its wartime actions. Koizumi, who frequently attends the shrine to mark Japan's Victory Day on August 15 and other events, is under pressure as the defense minister tasked with expanding Japan's military prowess and weapons exports during Takaichi's assertive administration.
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- Japan defence minister visits war shrine, PM stays away freemalaysiatoday.com
- Japan's defense chief visits shrine neighbors see as symbol of Japanese militarism koreatimes.co.kr
