Japan's defense chief visits shrine neighbors see as symbol of Japanese militarism
- Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo on August 15, 2023.
- The shrine is viewed by China and South Korea as a symbol of Japan's past militarism and commemorates World War II criminals.
- Visits to the shrine by Japanese politicians have been criticized for showing a lack of remorse over wartime atrocities.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi was expected to avoid the visit to prevent diplomatic tensions with neighboring countries.
- Koizumi's visit is seen as more contentious due to his role in increasing Japan's military capability.
TOKYO (AP) — The Japanese defense minister on Saturday prayed at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, seen by Japan’s Asian neighbors as a symbol of the country’s past militarism.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, despite her repeated past pledges for a visit on the day marking Japan’s surrender, is expected to stay away to avoid diplomatic tensions.
Visits by Japanese politicians to the shrine, which also commemorates World War II criminals, have been criticized by China and South Korea. They see it as a move that shows their lack of remorse over Japan’s wartime atrocities.
Koizumi did not comment on the visit and walked past journalists at the shrine. He is the son of popular former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who outraged China when he visited Yasukuni as a serving leader in 2006.
日本防卫部长访问邻国视为日本军国主义象征的神社
东京（美联社）——日本防卫部长于周六在东京的靖国神社祈祷，该神社被日本的亚洲邻国视为日本军国主义的象征。
首相高市早苗尽管过去多次承诺在纪念日本投降的日子访问，但预计将避免前往以防止外交紧张。
日本政治家对该神社的访问因显示对战争暴行缺乏悔意而受到中国和韩国的批评。
小泉没有对访问发表评论，经过神社时未与记者交谈。他是前首相小泉纯一郎的儿子，后者在2006年担任首相时访问靖国神社曾引发中国的愤怒。