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…
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi refrained from visiting Tokyo's controversial Yasukuni Shrine on the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II, likely to prioritize diplomatic relations with China and South Korea. Instead of addressing the country's wartime past in Asia or expressing remorse, she focused on mourning the victims of major devastation in Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Okinawa, as well as those who died in overseas battlefronts.
Takaichi emphasized Japan's continuous contribution to global peace and prosperity, stating that they would not let the tragedy of the war be repeated. She added that Japan could play a crucial role in addressing global challenges as a dependable nation in the region.
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, a member of Takaichi's government and a regular visitor to the shrine, also attended the event. His visit has been viewed as more contentious due to regular visits by other Japanese politicians to the shrine, which commemorates World War II war criminals and is criticized by China and South Korea as a lack of remorse.
Koizumi's Defense Ministry prohibits group visits by Self-Defense Forces personnel, emphasizing the constitutional separation of religion and state. Koizumi's decision to visit came after Takaichi's absence, with the Defense Ministry prohibiting group visits by service members of the Self-Defense Forces.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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