Japan's Defense Minister Koizumi prays at shrine seen by neighbors as symbol of Japanese militarism
TOKYO — 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 shrine. Visits by Japanese politicians to the shrine, which also commemorates World War II criminals, have been criticized by China and Korea. They see it as a move that shows…
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has prayed at the controversial Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, which Japan's neighbors view as a symbol of the country's past militarism. The shrine commemorates World War II criminals and has been a point of contention between Japan and its Asian neighbors, particularly China and Korea, who see it as a demonstration of Japan's lack of remorse for wartime atrocities.
Koizumi, who regularly visits the shrine on Japan's post-war anniversary and other occasions, is expected to continue doing so. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, also known for her frequent visits to the shrine, is anticipated to stay away from the site to prioritize diplomatic relations with neighboring countries.
Brief written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's own syndicated text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
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