Japanese Ruling and Opposition Lawmakers' Group Collective Visit to Yasukuni Shrine After Over 2 Years

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] A cross-party group of Japanese lawmakers collectively visited Yasukuni Shrine, where Class A war criminals from the Pacific War are enshrined, on the 7th.

According to Kyodo News, the group of lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties, called the "Parliamentary Group to Visit Yasukuni Shrine Together" (hereafter the Group), visited Yasukuni Shrine that morning to pay their respects.

Sankei reported, "A total of 99 lawmakers participated in the visit, including 68 members of the House of Representatives and 31 members of the House of Councillors." Participants included members from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, the right-wing opposition Japan Innovation Party, and the third opposition People's Democratic Party, as well as Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kenichiro Hosoda and Vice-Minister of the Environment Shunsuke Mutai.

This collective visit to Yasukuni Shrine by the Group was the first in about 2 years and 2 months since October 18, 2019. Last year, the visits were temporarily suspended due to the spread of COVID-19. The Group has traditionally visited Yasukuni Shrine collectively during the spring and autumn festivals and on Japan's defeat anniversary (August 15).

Otsuji Hidehisa, former Vice-Chairman of the House of Councillors and chairman of the Group (Liberal Democratic Party), said at a press conference after the visit, "I hope Prime Minister Kishida Fumio will visit Yasukuni Shrine at an early date."

With Japanese lawmakers resuming collective visits to Yasukuni Shrine, backlash from neighboring countries such as South Korea and China is expected.