Government Expresses "Deep Disappointment and Regret" Over Prime Minister Abe's Offering at Yasukuni Shrine

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The government expressed deep disappointment and strong regret over Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s offering of tribute to Yasukuni Shrine, a symbolic facility that glorifies Japan’s colonial invasion and aggressive war.

On the 21st, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a spokesperson’s statement saying, "The government strongly urges Japan’s top leaders to face history correctly and demonstrate sincere reflection and genuine remorse for the past through their actions, thereby showing their willingness to improve Korea-Japan relations."

According to Japan’s Jiji Press, Prime Minister Abe offered tribute in the name of "Prime Minister Shinzo Abe" in accordance with the spring festival, the Chunkye Ye Daeje, held at Yasukuni Shrine from the 21st to the 22nd. Since visiting Yasukuni Shrine in December 2013, Abe has faced strong opposition from neighboring countries such as Korea and China, and since then, he has not visited the shrine in person but has offered tribute in his name every spring and autumn festival.

Japanese right-wing politicians who used to flock to the Yasukuni Shrine events every year to pay respects largely canceled their visits due to COVID-19 prevention measures. According to Kyodo News, the bipartisan parliamentary group in Japan called the "Parliamentarians’ Group Visiting Yasukuni Shrine Together" completely canceled their plan to visit the shrine for this year’s Chunkye Ye Daeje. A representative of the group cited COVID-19 prevention issues as the reason for the cancellation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.