The South Korean government expressed its objection to the upcoming visit of Japanese politicians to the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, as well as the offering of gifts from the Japanese government to the temple, which is linked to the veneration of Japanese militarism by neighboring Asian countries.
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“The government expresses deep disappointment and regret that senior Japanese leaders are again making gifts and visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, which glorifies Japan’s past military aggressions and unites war criminals,” the South Korean Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
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The South Korean government urged Japanese officials to honestly confront historical events.face history head onsincere and humble reflectionimportant basis
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Earlier, it was reported that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made a ceremonial offering to the Yasukuni Shrine.
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On behalf of the Prime Minister, to celebrate the upcoming spring temple festivals from April 21 onward, a ritual offering in the form of a sakaki tree decorated with two red ribbons was sent to the Yasukuni Shrine in a pot with the inscription: “From the Prime Minister Minister Fumio Kishida.”
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Kishida, like his predecessors Shinzo Abe and Yoshihide Suga, will also not personally visit the temple this year. This offering follows the same pattern as the previous two years since he took office as Prime Minister.
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Meanwhile, Minister of Economic Recovery Yoshitaka Shindo visited the temple in person.
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It is customary for Japanese politicians to visit the temple three times a year – during ritual holidays in April and October, as well as on the day of Japan’s announcement of withdrawal from World War II – August 15. Some politicians visit the temple at the end of the year.
