Suga Offers Tribute at Yasukuni Shrine on Defeat Anniversary... Abe Makes 'Direct Visit'

Wreath Laying at Jidorigahuji Cemetery with Remains of Unidentified War Dead
Emphasis on 'Active Pacifism'... No Mention of Responsibility for Aggression

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga laid a wreath at the war dead cemetery in Chidorigafuchi, Tokyo, on the morning of the 15th. The photo shows Prime Minister Suga holding a bouquet as he heads to the war dead cemetery. Photo by Kyodo/Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga offered a tribute at Yasukuni Shrine, which enshrines 14 Class A war criminals, on the 15th, the anniversary of Japan's defeat in the Pacific War (End of War Memorial Day), Kyodo News reported.

According to Kyodo News, Prime Minister Suga personally paid for a type of tribute called 'Tamagushi' at Yasukuni Shrine in the name of the Liberal Democratic Party president.

Suga, who took office in September last year, also visited the shrine to offer tributes instead of worship during the autumn grand festival in October, a month after his inauguration, and the spring grand festival in April this year.

On the morning of the same day, Suga laid flowers at the war dead cemetery in Chidorigafuchi, Tokyo. This cemetery houses the remains of unidentified war dead.

During the government-hosted 'National War Dead Memorial Ceremony,' Suga stated, "We will continue to uphold the belief of never repeating the horrors of war," and added, "Under the banner of proactive pacifism, our country will work together with the international community to fully address the various challenges facing the world."

This statement emphasizes 'proactive pacifism,' a concept that emerged during former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration. It is interpreted to mean "security must be maintained by one's own efforts."

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also visited Yasukuni Shrine on the same day. Since his resignation in September last year, this marks Abe's fourth visit to Yasukuni Shrine.

Meanwhile, Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Koichi Hagiuda, among other members of the Yoshihide Suga Cabinet, also visited Yasukuni Shrine on this day. Since the launch of the Suga Cabinet in September last year, visits to Yasukuni Shrine by sitting cabinet members have continued for two consecutive years.