Japanese scholars criticize Koizumi's visit to the Yasukuni Shrine, urging deeper reflection on "responsibility for starting the war"
Haruka Takahashi, Tokyo correspondent for the U.S. foreign affairs and security magazine The Diplomat, wrote on August 15: Under the pretext of commemorating the 81st anniversary of the end of the war, Defense Minister Shigeru Koizumi and other cabinet ministers, along with Liberal Democratic Party officials, visited the Yasukuni Shrine.
After the visit, Koizumi told reporters that he would continue fulfilling Japan’s postwar responsibilities as a peaceful nation and reiterated his pledge “not to wage war.” The Yasukuni Shrine enshrines Class A war criminals, including Hideki Tojo.
Takahashi pointed out: How did Japan’s ruling authorities at the time historically evaluate those who initiated and carried out the war? Koizumi’s visit as current defense minister once again raises this question for all Japanese citizens. Eighty-one years have passed since the end of the war, yet Koizumi defended himself on social media by stating that he has visited the Yasukuni Shrine every August 15 since being elected defense minister. He expressed mourning and respect for the “heroic spirit of those who sacrificed their lives for the country” and reaffirmed his vow “never to fight again.” Subsequently, he laid flowers at the cemetery of the “Senkaku no Ura” war dead and attended the national memorial service for war fatalities.
Takahashi said: “From these actions, Koizumi appears to be commemorating war dead and valuing Japan’s postwar journey as a peaceful nation. Visiting the Yasukuni Shrine seems not to be endorsing war criminals.”
“However, back in 1986, then Chief Cabinet Secretary Masahiko Hattori issued a statement pointing out that because Class A war criminals are enshrined together at the Yasukuni Shrine, official visits might be perceived as ‘worshiping Class A war criminals,’ potentially leading to ‘misunderstandings and distrust’ regarding the reflection on war.”
“Has Japan truly fully examined why the war broke out and who bore what responsibility? It is not enough merely to promise ‘never to start another war.’ We must also examine why Japan moved toward war and why it failed to prevent it. As defense minister responsible for Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, Koizumi should thoroughly learn from past decisions made by political and defense leaders and apply them to current security policies.”
“Mourning the war dead is important—but we must also scrutinize the responsibility for war, so that the pledge of ‘never to wage war’ can be passed on to future generations.”
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1873574861656073/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author