Yasukuni Shrine is seemingly a normal shrine, situated in the middle of Tokyo. However, it unfailingly attracts media attention every year on 15th of August, which marks the end of World War II in Japan. On this day many Japanese citizens visit the shrine, as well as some Japanese politicians. In the eyes of most Japanese people, it is a shrine dedicated to those who lost their lives during wars, fighting for Japan, therefore it is a central facility for commemoration.
However, the shrine doesn’t only enshrine war spirits, who died in war fighting for Japan, it also enshrines the so-called Class-A War Criminals. They were the ones held responsible for casting and planning wars during the Tokyo Trials. More than that, the shrine has historically
been involved with the army, the state and the empire, as well as was a central organization during the times of State Shintō. Yasukuni has yet to apologize for its actions of involvement during the war and continues showing their historical views in the so called Yūshūkan museum. Which involves glorifying Japan’s past wars of aggression and denying their war crimes. South Korea and China who were once victims of Japan’s war crimes, see the shrine as a symbol of Japan’s past cruel militarism and thus strongly oppose the visits from Japanese politicians, especially Prime minister’s visits. Despite all the opposition, some Japanese politicians continue with their visits. However, no prime minister has visited Yasukuni since the end of
2013. They instead send ritual offerings to the shrine. That is why I have decided to analyze Yasukuni from the historical and religious perspective. And then lastly research Japanese people’s written opinions on this topic.
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