Seoul slams 'anachronistic' Yasukuni visits by Japanese politicians

South Korea's government expressed strong disapproval of Japanese politicians visiting and making offerings to the Yasukuni Shrine on August 15, the anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II and Korea's Liberation Day. The Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling the actions "anachronistic" and expressing deep regret.

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The government cannot help but lament that responsible Japanese leaders have once again made anachronistic acts, such as offering tributes or visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, which glorifies Japan's past wars of aggression and enshrines war criminals.

The ministry's spokesperson stated, "The government cannot help but lament that responsible Japanese leaders have once again made anachronistic acts, such as offering tributes or visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, which glorifies Japan's past wars of aggression and enshrines war criminals." The statement emphasized that such actions demonstrate a disregard for history and urged Japanese leaders to "face history squarely and show humble reflection and genuine remorse for past actions through concrete actions." The ministry stressed that this is a crucial foundation for building a future-oriented relationship between South Korea and Japan based on trust.

Both major political parties in South Korea echoed the government's sentiment. The Democratic Party's spokesperson called the visits "anachronistic provocations" and "irresponsible behavior," warning Japan to "immediately stop its historical regression." The main opposition People Power Party's floor leader also expressed deep regret, stating that such actions "damage the trust that both countries have painstakingly built."

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The government urges Japanese leaders to face history squarely and show humble reflection and genuine remorse for past actions through concrete actions.

China's Foreign Ministry also joined in criticizing the visits. A spokesperson's statement condemned the actions as an attempt to "overturn the verdict on war criminals, cover up Japan's war crimes, distort historical facts, and pave the way for rearmament." Beijing labeled the visits an "insult to historical justice" and a "challenge to the basic norms of civilization and the post-war international order," adding that it had lodged a strong protest with Japan.

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Anachronistic provocations, truly irresponsible behavior.

Despite the criticism, several Japanese officials proceeded with visits or offerings. Sanae Takaichi, the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, offered money from her own funds to the shrine in her capacity as LDP policy chief, though she did not visit in person. However, four current cabinet ministers, including Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, visited the shrine. Additionally, key executives of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, including party General Secretary Shunichi Suzuki, made a group visit.

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Damaging the trust that both countries have painstakingly built.