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 been seen by neighboring countries as a symbol of Japan's past militarism after praying at the controversial Yasukuni Shrine on Saturday. The shrine, which commemorates World War II criminals, has been a source of criticism from China and Korea due to its association with Japan's wartime atrocities.
Koizumi, who is known for his regular visits to the shrine, including those marking the anniversary of Japan's end of the war and other occasions, is expected to continue his visits. However, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, another frequent visitor, is anticipated to avoid the shrine in favor of maintaining 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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