Foreign Ministry Expresses "Deep Disappointment and Regret" Over Japanese Prime Minister's Tribute to Yasukuni Shrine

The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed regret over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and other senior officials making offerings to the Yasukuni Shrine.

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On April 21, Ministry spokesperson Park Il stated in an official commentary, "The government expresses deep disappointment and regret that responsible Japanese leaders have once again made offerings or paid tribute at the Yasukuni Shrine, which glorifies Japan's past wars of aggression and enshrines war criminals."

He added, "Our government urges Japan's responsible leaders to face history squarely and demonstrate sincere introspection and genuine remorse for the past through their actions." He further emphasized, "This is a crucial foundation for building a future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship based on mutual trust."

Earlier that day, Prime Minister Takaichi made an offering called "masakaki" to the Yasukuni Shrine for its annual spring festival, under the title "Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi." However, it is reported that Prime Minister Takaichi has no plans to visit the shrine in person. According to Kyodo News and NHK, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated at a press conference, "I understand this was done in a personal capacity," and added, "It is not an issue for the government to comment on."

The Yasukuni Shrine is a symbol of Japanese militarism and enshrines Class-A war criminals from World War II. The last time a sitting Japanese prime minister visited the Yasukuni Shrine was in December 2013, when Shinzo Abe was in office.

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