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South Korea Slams Japan PM's War Shrine Offering, Urges Historical Reflection

South Korea has voiced deep regret after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a ritual offering to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan's war dead including convicted Class A war criminals. The foreign ministry spokesperson urged Japanese leaders to face history and show genuine atonement for past issues. This marks Takaichi's first offering since taking office, a shift from her previous practice of visiting in person. The shrine remains a major point of contention with neighbors like South Korea and China, who see such acts as glorifying Japan's militaristic past.

Key Points: Japan PM's War Shrine Offering Draws South Korea's Deep Regret

  • Takaichi sent offering to controversial shrine
  • South Korea urges historical atonement
  • Shrine honors war criminals
  • Move seen as policy shift
  • Draws criticism from neighbors
2 min read

South Korea voices deep regret over Japan PM's offering, lawmakers' visit to war shrine

South Korea expresses deep regret over Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi's offering to Yasukuni Shrine, urging Japan to face history.

"We express deep disappointment and regret that responsible leaders in Japan have repeatedly made offerings to or visited the Yasukuni Shrine. - Park Il"

Seoul, April 21

South Korea expressed deep regret on Tuesday after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a ritual offering to a war shrine seen as symbolising, if not whitewashing, Japan's militaristic past.

Takaichi sent the offering to the Yasukuni Shrine honouring Japanese war dead, including 14 Class A criminals convicted by the Allies in international tribunals for their roles in World War II, on the occasion of the annual spring festival.

Her key Cabinet members and other lawmakers either visited or planned to visit the shrine in person to pay their respects, reports Yonhap news agency, quoting Japanese media.

"We express deep disappointment and regret that responsible leaders in Japan have repeatedly made offerings to or visited the Yasukuni Shrine," foreign ministry spokesperson Park Il said in a commentary.

"We urge the Japanese leadership to squarely face history and show through action humble reflection and genuine atonement for historical issues. We once again emphasise that these will be an important foundation for building future-oriented bilateral relations based on mutual trust," Park said.

Sending an offering or visiting the shrine has drawn criticism from neighbouring countries, including China, which views such actions as an attempt to glorify the country's militaristic past.

Japan invaded China during World War II, and Korea was under Japan's colonial rule from 1910 to 1945.

It marked Takaichi's first offering to the shrine since taking office in October, a move seen as a shift from her previous hard-line approach. Takaichi had regularly visited the shrine to pay respects in person.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the last incumbent Japanese leader to visit the shrine in December 2013.

The Yasukuni Shrine honours some 2.46 million Japanese war dead, many of whom are linked to the Pacific War that began in 1941 with Japan's attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor.

The list on the shrine includes Gen. Hideki Tojo, who was executed in the tribunal for his leading role in the Pacific War.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's disappointing to see such actions from Japanese leaders. We in India have moved forward with the UK, but that was after a long struggle for independence, not by glorifying colonial rulers. Japan needs to show genuine remorse. This affects stability in the whole Indo-Pacific region.
A
Aman W
Complex situation. On one hand, every nation has the right to honour its war dead. On the other, when those "dead" include convicted war criminals, it sends a terrible message to neighbours who suffered. Japan's economic partnership is vital for Asia, but so is historical sensitivity. 🤔
S
Sarah B
Reading this from an international perspective, but living in India, I see both sides. However, the world has tribunals for a reason. Honouring those found guilty of war crimes undermines the entire international justice system. South Korea's response is measured and correct.
K
Karthik V
This is why regional trust is so fragile. Japan wants to play a bigger security role to counter China, but how can South Korea fully trust a partner whose leaders won't fully confront history? It's a self-inflicted wound for Tokyo. They need to find a way to honour soldiers without honouring criminals.
N
Nikhil C
With respect, I think the focus should be more on the present. Japan is a constitutional democracy now and a key ally for India. While the history is painful for Korea and China, constantly revisiting this might not help build the future. That said, the PM's offering was unnecessary and provocative.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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