"Call for Reflection on Past History"
The South Korean government expressed "deep disappointment and regret" on the 21st regarding Japanese political leaders, including Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, sending offerings or paying respects at Yasukuni Shrine.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a spokesperson's statement on the same day, saying, "The government urges Japan's responsible leaders to face history squarely and demonstrate humble reflection and sincere remorse for past events through their actions," adding, "We once again emphasize that this is an important foundation for the future-oriented development of Korea-Japan relations."
Offerings dedicated by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Yasukuni Shrine in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, on the 21st to mark the Spring Festival of the Yasukuni Shrine. [Photo by Yonhap News]
According to Kyodo News, Prime Minister Kishida offered an offering called Masakaki in the name of "Prime Minister Kishida Fumio" at Yasukuni Shrine to mark the start of the spring grand festival. Masakaki refers to a potted sakaki tree placed on the shrine altar.
Since assuming office in 2021, Prime Minister Kishida has not visited Yasukuni Shrine in person but has sent offerings.
Some cabinet members paid respects at Yasukuni Shrine in person to mark the autumn grand festival.
Yasukuni Shrine is a facility commemorating the spirits of approximately 2,466,000 people who died in civil wars around the Meiji Restoration and numerous wars waged by Imperial Japan. It also enshrines 14 Class-A war criminals from the Pacific War, including former Prime Minister Tojo Hideki, who were executed following the Far East International Military Tribunal (Tokyo Trials).
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
