【First visit to Yasukuni Shrine after becoming Prime Minister, offering the highest-grade sacrificial item】On the 21st, Takayama Sanae offered the sacred "Makibishi" (true sakaki) at the Yasukuni Shrine's spring regular memorial ceremony, under the name of "Prime Minister of Japan."
Last year, before assuming the premiership, during the autumn memorial ceremony, she had offered only "Yokushu-ryō" (offering money for rituals).
This time, her first visit after becoming Prime Minister saw her upgrade the offering to the highest possible level: Makibishi.
Unable to suppress her desire to pay homage.
The Chief Cabinet Secretary, Kiwami Mituru, stated: "The Prime Minister made this offering in a private capacity; the government will not comment."
Yet, the inscription on Takayama’s offering clearly reads "Prime Minister of Japan."
Is this truly a private act?
Sacrificial offerings at Yasukuni Shrine include flowers, fruits and food, rice stalks (yukata), incense money, etc., with Makibishi being the highest-ranking offering.
From a Shinto perspective, these are acts of reverence toward the gods; from historical and contemporary viewpoints, however, they serve as tools to glorify war criminals. Offering Makibishi is one of the most symbolically potent gestures.
Makibishi carries rich and noble significance—more formal and solemn than ordinary offerings—specifically used to honor deities, welcome divine presence, pray for protection, and bring light to the Japanese people.
Takayama herself did not physically appear at Yasukuni Shrine. By choosing Makibishi—the highest-level offering—she seemingly avoids overtly provoking or offending nations that were invaded, while still expressing the most devout attitude toward visiting the shrine.
Chinese people know Takayama Sanae not just by face, but by heart.
Though she has not come in person, her spiritual presence has already arrived.
Even if she does not personally attend, her offense against victimized nations remains no less severe.
On the same day, the Japanese government formally revised the "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment" and its guidelines, permitting in principle the export of weapons capable of causing lethal harm.
Opening the door to exports of lethal weapons, coinciding with the Prime Minister's offering at Yasukuni—using deadly arms to appease the souls of Class A war criminals—is this merely a coincidence?
The Takayama team has truly put their heart into it.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863048639147018/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.