Japan's Defense Minister Koizumi prays at shrine seen by neighbors as symbol of Japanese militarism
- Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi prayed at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine on Saturday.
- Yasukuni Shrine is viewed by Japan's Asian neighbors as a symbol of the country's past militarism.
- Visits to the shrine by Japanese politicians have faced criticism from China and South Korea.
- Koizumi has made annual visits to the shrine on occasions such as the anniversary of the end of World War II.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a regular visitor, is expected to avoid the shrine to prioritize diplomatic relations.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi prayed at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine on Saturday. The shrine is seen by Japan's Asian neighbors as a symbol of the country's past militarism, and visits by Japanese politicians to the shrine have been criticized by China and South Korea. They view these visits as indicative of a lack of remorse over Japan’s wartime atrocities.
Koizumi has often visited the controversial shrine, making annual visits to commemorate occasions such as the anniversary of the end of World War II on August 15. His presence at the shrine has been a point of contention in Japan's relations with its neighbors.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who is also a regular visitor to the shrine, is expected to stay away this time to prioritize diplomatic ties with neighboring countries.
日本防卫大臣小泉在邻国视为日本军国主义象征的神社祈祷
日本防卫大臣小泉在星期六于东京靖国神社进行了祈祷。该神社被日本的亚洲邻国视为日本过去军国主义的象征，日本政治家对该神社的访问遭到中国和韩国的批评。他们认为这些访问显示出对日本战争罪行缺乏悔意。
小泉经常访问这一有争议的神社，每年在二战结束周年等场合进行纪念。他在神社的出现一直是日本与邻国关系中的一个争议点。
首相高市早苗也是该神社的常客，预计此次将避免前往，以优先考虑与邻国的外交关系。