Government urges Japan's Yasukuni Shrine visit: "If reflecting on past, show it through actions"

Japanese Kishida Offers Tribute at Yasukuni Shrine
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Comments... "Deep Disappointment"

The government expressed deep disappointment and regret over Japanese political leaders, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, sending offerings or paying respects at Yasukuni Shrine, where "Class A war criminals" from the Pacific War are enshrined.

On the 21st, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a spokesperson's statement saying, "Responsible Japanese leaders have once again sent offerings or repeatedly paid respects at Yasukuni Shrine, which glorifies Japan's past aggressive war and enshrines war criminals. We express deep disappointment and regret." It added, "We urge responsible Japanese leaders to face history squarely and demonstrate humble reflection and sincere remorse for the past through their actions."

On the occasion of the Spring Grand Festival (Reitaisai) at Yasukuni Shrine, an offering called "Masakaki" (left) was dedicated in the name of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the same day, marking the start of the spring grand festival (Reitaisai) at Yasukuni Shrine, Prime Minister Kishida sent an offering called "Masakaki" under the name of "Prime Minister Fumio Kishida." According to Kyodo News, about 90 members of the bipartisan parliamentary group "Parliamentarians Who Visit Yasukuni Shrine Together" also visited the shrine for a group worship on the same day.

The government also expressed regret with a similar statement last October when Prime Minister Kishida sent offerings and some cabinet members paid respects during the autumn grand festival at Yasukuni Shrine.

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