Japan's Takaichi skips controversial Yasukuni Shrine visit on anniversary of World War II surrender
TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stayed away from Tokyo's controversial Yasukuni Shrine , apparently to prioritize diplomatic relations with China and South Korea, but did not mention her country’s wartime past in Asia or remorse over it in an address Saturday as Japan marked the 81st anniversary of its surrender in World War II. Takaichi mourned the victims of major devastation in…
Tokyo — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi avoided visiting the controversial Yasukuni Shrine on the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. Instead, she focused on strengthening diplomatic ties with China and South Korea. During her address, Takaichi paid tribute to the victims of the war, including those who died in Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Okinawa, and other battlefields abroad.
She acknowledged their sacrifices as the "foundation of Japan's peace and prosperity today" but refrained from discussing Japanese atrocities in Asia or offering an apology. Takaichi emphasized that since the end of the war, Japan has been a consistent contributor to global peace and prosperity and stressed that the nation would never allow the tragedy of war to be repeated.
She highlighted Japan's ability to play a crucial role in addressing global challenges as a dependable nation in the region. The decision not to visit the Yasukuni Shrine, which also honors World War II war criminals, has drawn criticism from China and South Korea, as they perceive it as a show of support for the nation's wartime past.
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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