A group of 70 Japanese lawmakers attended the spring festival at the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo on Tuesday. The shrine is a contentious site, symbolizing Japan’s wartime past and the ongoing friction with its Asian neighbors. The group’s visit drew attention and raised concerns, particularly from China and South Korea.
Ichiro Aisawa, a member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), commented at a press conference, “We should never forget the history of how the spirits of many fallen heroes laid the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous Japan after the war.” His remarks highlight the shrine’s significance in Japan’s post-war history.
The Yasukuni Shrine honors approximately 2.4 million war dead, including Japanese wartime leaders convicted as war criminals after World War II. This aspect of the shrine remains a source of diplomatic tension with China and South Korea. Both countries view the shrine as a symbol of Japan’s militaristic past.
Former economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, a member of the group, also visited the shrine. Takaichi, who narrowly lost to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in the LDP presidential race, has earned the label of a “right-wing” nationalist by Chinese state-run media.
The group’s visit occurred one day after Prime Minister Ishiba sent a ritual offering to the shrine. However, he is not expected to attend the festival in person. Sources close to the matter confirmed that Ishiba will refrain from appearing during the three-day event.
This visit reflects the group’s ongoing tradition of attending both the spring and autumn festivals at Yasukuni. They also visit the shrine annually on August 15 to mark the anniversary of World War II’s end. Despite backlash from China and South Korea, this group remains steadfast in its practice.
Last year’s fall festival saw the group skip the visit. The event coincided with the October 27 general election, where the ruling bloc, led by Ishiba’s LDP, lost its majority in the House of Representatives. The group’s visit to the Yasukuni Shrine highlights the enduring complexity of Japan’s wartime legacy and its relationship with neighboring countries.
In conclusion, the Yasukuni Shrine continues to be a point of contention in Japan’s foreign relations. Despite ongoing tensions with China and South Korea, the group’s visit underscores the significance of the shrine in Japan’s national identity. This visit, like others before it, sparks a broader debate about Japan’s wartime history and the role of memory in shaping future diplomatic relations.
