Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjirō Koizumi’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine and prayer there have once again brought the site, which is controversial because of its links to Japan’s past militarism, into the spotlight of regional diplomacy.
Kyodo reported that Koizumi visited the shrine, which contains memorial graves for some soldiers convicted of war crimes committed during World War II.
Yasukuni’s wartime history
Built in 1869, Yasukuni Shrine commemorates approximately 2.5 million people who died in wars involving Japan.
However, the shrine is considered controversial because its religious officials included 14 war criminals convicted of crimes committed during World War II among the enshrined deities in 1978.
China, South Korea and other neighboring countries view Yasukuni as a symbol of Japan’s past militarism. Nevertheless, government officials and business representatives who wish to honor those who died in wars involving Japan visit the shrine throughout the year.
Latest visit at the prime ministerial level
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also made a ritual offering at Yasukuni Shrine in April as part of the traditional spring festival.
The last person to visit the shrine at the prime ministerial level was former Prime Minister Shinzō Abe, in December 2013.