Korea expresses regret over Japan PM's offering to controversial war shrine
The Korean government expressed regret Saturday after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a ritual offering to a war shrine seen as a symbol of Japan's imperialistic past. Takaichi sent the offering earlier Saturday in her capacity as prime minister to mark the start of the Yasukuni Shrine's three-day autumn festival. But she plans to refrain from visiting the shrine in person during the…
The Korean government expressed regret on Saturday following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's ritual offering to Yasukuni Shrine, a site viewed as emblematic of Japan's imperialist past. Takaichi made the offering earlier on Saturday to inaugurate the shrine's three-day autumn festival. However, she intends to avoid visiting the shrine herself during the festival, according to Kyodo News, which cited sources familiar with the prime minister's intentions.
The Yasukuni Shrine pays tribute to approximately 2.46 million Japanese war casualties, comprising 14 individuals convicted by international tribunals for their involvement in World War II. In a statement, Seoul's foreign ministry reiterated its deep disappointment and regret over Japanese leaders repeatedly sending offerings to or visiting the shrine, which commemorates Japan's history of war aggression and enshrines war criminals.
The ministry urged Japan's leaders to confront history candidly and exhibit humble reflection and sincere remorse for past actions through tangible measures. It emphasized that such steps are imperative.
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.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
