According to reports by Japan's Kyodo News and the "Nikkan Sports" newspaper, on the evening of February 8 local time, Japanese Prime Minister Hashimoto Asako once again revealed her sinister ambition to revive militarism, stating that she is striving to create an environment "favorable for visiting Yasukuni Shrine."

On that day, Hashimoto stated during a TV program on Fuji Television: "I have always advocated policies that are strongly opposed and have asked for everyone's trust. I don't know what the outcome will be, but if I gain the people's trust, I will work hard."

In the program, a studio commentator and well-known right-wing figure in Japan, Ishibashi Tōru, questioned Hashimoto: "You once stated that 'even if you become prime minister, you will visit Yasukuni Shrine, regardless of the voices from China and South Korea,' but you have not done so yet. Not fulfilling your promise to visit due to political timing, circumstances, and other factors is a great insult to public opinion. When exactly do you plan to visit?"

Hashimoto openly claimed: "I am working hard to create an environment favorable for visiting. First, I need to gain the understanding of allies, and then seek the understanding of neighboring countries." She said her goal is to create an environment where countries can mutually respect the so-called "deceased who sacrificed for the country."

At around 8 p.m. local time on February 8, Hashimoto Asako was interviewed at the counting center of the Liberal Democratic Party headquarters. Asahi Shimbun

Ishibashi Tōru once served as governor of Osaka Prefecture and mayor of Osaka. He is one of the early founders of the Japanese Restoration Party. On one hand, he supports constitutional amendment and takes a tough stance toward China; on the other hand, he strongly opposes Hashimoto's visit to Yasukuni Shrine.

In the same day's House of Representatives election, the Liberal Democratic Party has already won more than two-thirds of the seats in the House of Representatives (310 seats), securing 316 seats. The ruling coalition composed of the Liberal Democratic Party and the Restoration Party has gained 350 seats. Hashimoto's "surprise-style" election resulted in a major victory.

During her tenure as a cabinet minister, Hashimoto has almost never missed the so-called "spring and autumn grand ceremonies" at Yasukuni Shrine and the visit on August 15, the day of Japan's surrender in World War II. Her actions and statements regarding historical issues have repeatedly seriously trampled on human justice and conscience.

Regarding Hashimoto's exposed sinister ambitions and open glorification of aggression, the Chinese side has previously responded that Yasukuni Shrine enshrines 14 Class-A war criminals of World War II. It is a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarism that launched foreign wars. The Japanese side should properly face and reflect on its history of aggression, demonstrate through concrete actions its remorse for the crimes of militarism and respect for the victims, and not make further mistakes.

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Original: toutiao.com/article/7604658966030860840/

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