Divided Japan's August 15... Yasukuni Shrine Visit VS Anti-War Protest

Emperor and Prime Minister Attend War Dead Memorial Ceremony... LDP Visits Yasukuni Shrine
JSDF Yasukuni Shrine Visit Controversy... Right-Wing vs Progressive Clash

In Japan, August 15, known as "End of War Memorial Day," is drawing attention as right-wing and progressive groups across the country compete to hold protests. The government-led memorial service for war dead is attended by the Emperor, while politicians from the Liberal Democratic Party once again visit Yasukuni Shrine, where Class A war criminals from the Pacific War are enshrined. Progressive groups hold anti-war demonstrations opposing both the memorial service and the shrine visits, creating a divided atmosphere throughout the nation. With a general election approaching, the Japanese political world is on high alert over the potential political impact of this year's End of War Memorial Day.

On the 15th, a memorial service for Pacific War war dead was held at the large Budokan arena in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. A total of 3,595 bereaved family members and 700 guests other than family attended. Along with the Emperor, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio was present, as well as the speakers and deputy speakers of the House of Representatives and House of Councillors, representatives of various political parties, former prime ministers, and leaders of economic organizations.

Members of a Japanese right-wing group shouting "Banzai" after paying respects at Yasukuni Shrine on August 15, 2022. (Photo by Yonhap News)

Alongside the memorial service, attention is also focused on whether politicians will visit Yasukuni Shrine. Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura Yasutoshi, who resigned due to a political slush fund scandal, visited Yasukuni Shrine in advance on the 13th. Nishimura had also visited the shrine last year while serving as minister, which sparked controversy. Concerned about the crowds on End of War Memorial Day, he came early and told FNN Prime, "I prayed for the peace of the spirits who fell in the war, worrying about my country and family," adding, "I resolved never to start a war again. I will work for world peace and prosperity."

Prime Minister Kishida refrained from visiting the shrine again this year, as he did last year, but is likely to offer a ritual gift instead. Other current ministers have not officially announced their shrine visit plans but are expected to take similar actions. Minister in charge of Economic Security Takaiichi Sanae drew a line when asked at a press conference on the 8th, "Will you visit Yasukuni Shrine on the 15th?" saying, "I do not discuss private schedules at press conferences." Takaiichi was the only sitting minister to visit the shrine on August 15 last year. Defense Minister Kihara Minoru said, "I will make an appropriate judgment in a personal capacity" but emphasized, "It is natural to offer condolences and respect to those who sacrificed their precious lives for the country."

Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura Yastoshi answering reporters' questions after visiting Yasukuni Shrine on August 21 last year while serving as a sitting minister. (Photo by Yonhap News)

Additionally, Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Matsumoto Takeaki, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Saito Takeshi, and Minister in charge of Economic Revitalization Shindo Yoshitaka told Sankei Shimbun that they would "make an appropriate judgment" or "refrain from commenting." However, Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Takemi Keizo and Minister for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs Jami Hideko stated they would not visit the shrine.

In response, progressive groups are countering with anti-war symposiums and protests. In Tokyo, an Asia-Pacific War Defeat Memorial 8.15 Symposium is being held. At Awaji Park in Tokyo, a protest called "8.15 Anti-Yasukuni Action" is scheduled. To criticize the government-led memorial service for war dead, the protesters, under the slogan "Do not forgive state-led memorial and mourning," plan to hold a rally at 3 p.m. and start the protest 30 minutes later. Not only in Tokyo but also in Osaka, the progressive group "Continuous Action Against War Participation and the Emperor System" will hold a lecture titled "Opposition to the National Memorial Service Attended by the Emperor, Uncovering the Darkness of Yasukuni and the Self-Defense Forces."

Protesters opposing Yasukuni Shrine. (Photo by LaborNet homepage)

Events related to Okinawa, where U.S. military bases are still being constructed, are also taking place. At an independent movie theater in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, a documentary by Takamatsu Kushiken titled "The Man Who Digs Bones," about the excavation of remains of civilians killed by bombing in Okinawa, will be screened starting that day.

This year, controversy is expected to intensify as reports emerged that the Japan Self-Defense Forces collectively visited Yasukuni Shrine, which is associated with militarism. The area in front of Yasukuni Shrine sees clashes every August 15 between right-wing and progressive protesters. The day before, Asahi Shimbun exclusively reported that senior officers of the Maritime Self-Defense Force visited the shrine together with their subordinates and toured the Yuchukan, a war exhibition hall located within the shrine grounds.

Asahi criticized, "The Yuchukan they visited still refers to the Pacific War as the Greater East Asia War and explains that special attack units such as kamikaze were a glorious military tactic expressed at the crossroads of the nation's and people's survival, inspired by Japan's immortal soul and Bushido spirit," adding, "The connection between the Self-Defense Forces, which should sever ties with the old military, and Yasukuni Shrine is becoming increasingly apparent."