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.
- The 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 been criticized by China and South Korea.
- Koizumi has made regular annual visits to the shrine, especially around the anniversary of the end of World War II.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a regular visitor to the shrine, is expected to avoid it to maintain diplomatic relations with neighboring countries.
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.
Koizumi has often visited the controversial shrine, which commemorates World War II criminals, and such visits have drawn criticism from China and South Korea. They interpret these actions as a sign of Japan's lack of remorse over wartime atrocities.
Koizumi has regularly made annual visits to the shrine, particularly marking Japan's anniversary of the end of the war on August 15 and other significant occasions.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who also regularly visits 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被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。
小泉经常访问这个有争议的神社，该神社还纪念二战罪犯，这样的访问受到中国和韩国的批评。他们认为这些行为表明日本对战争罪行缺乏悔意。
小泉定期在每年二战结束纪念日（8月15日）和其他重要场合访问该神社。
首相高市早苗作为该神社的常客，预计此次将避免前往，以优先考虑与邻国的外交关系。