Government Expresses "Deep Disappointment and Regret" Over Suga's Yasukuni Offering

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] The government criticized Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on the 21st for offering tribute at the spring festival of Yasukuni Shrine, where Class A war criminals from the Pacific War are enshrined.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a spokesperson's comment on the same day, "The government expresses deep disappointment and regret over the Japanese government and parliamentary leaders once again offering tribute to Yasukuni Shrine, which glorifies Japan's colonial invasion and aggressive war, and repeating such acts."

It added, "The government urges Japan's top officials to face history squarely, demonstrate humble reflection and sincere remorse for past history through their actions, and Japan must remember that this is the foundation for the future-oriented development of Korea-Japan relations."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Prime Minister Suga, who took office in September last year, offered tribute at the spring festival of Yasukuni Shrine, where Class A war criminals from the Pacific War are enshrined, on the morning of the same day. Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Yasukuni Shrine in person.

On the first day of the Yasukuni Shrine spring festival, Suga offered a tribute called "Masakaki" under the name "Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga."

Kyodo News reported that Suga plans not to visit the shrine in person during the two-day festival held from the 21st to the 22nd.

Suga also offered the same tribute at the autumn festival of Yasukuni Shrine in October last year, which was his first since taking office.