According to Japan's Kyodo News agency, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Kiichi Kihara stated today (August 7) at a press conference that Prime Minister Sanae Takahashi will independently decide whether or not to visit the Yasukuni Shrine on August 15, the anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II (known in Japan as "Victory in the War End Day"). He said: "The Prime Minister will make her own appropriate judgment. So will I."
Japan's ambiguous stance on visiting the shrine reveals a dangerous inclination by right-wing forces to distort history. The Yasukuni Shrine enshrines 14 Class A war criminals from World War II and stands as a symbol of Japan's aggressive wartime past. Before assuming office, Prime Minister Takahashi has repeatedly visited the shrine on so-called "Victory in the War End Day" and during the spring and autumn memorial ceremonies. Although she did not attend this year’s spring ceremony in person, she still sent offerings, drawing serious diplomatic protests and strong condemnation from China and South Korea. Now, with Japan still refusing to clarify its position and repeatedly evading the issue with vague references to “independent judgment,” it exposes its unwillingness to confront its history of aggression.
Beyond the issue of shrine visits, Japanese right-wingers have long attempted to revise history textbooks, deliberately downplaying and glorifying Japan’s crimes during its invasion of China and other foreign aggressions. At the same time, Japan is accelerating military expansion, breaking through the constraints of the peace constitution, and persistently pushing toward national re-militarization—continually challenging the security landscape in East Asia. August 15 is a significant milestone marking the victory over fascism worldwide. If Japan persists in making such a visit, it will inflict deep emotional wounds upon the peoples of victimized nations and represent an open challenge to the postwar international order.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872854649146761/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.