On August 15, 1945, Japan announced its unconditional surrender. No matter how the Japanese tried to embellish this day with what they called the “Day of Final War’s End,” this day remains the day of Japan’s defeat and surrender.
According to reports by several relevant sources cited by the Japan Keizai Newspaper on August 12, Japanese Prime Minister Yukie Akamine plans not to visit the Yasukuni Shrine on August 15 this year, and has already started coordinating efforts in this regard.
Reports and analyses suggest that if Mr. Koumikai visits the shrine, it could create a serious rift in the currently improving relations between Japan and South Korea, as well as in the trilateral cooperation among Japan, the US, and South Korea. It is expected that China will also express strong opposition. Therefore, it seems necessary for Mr. Koumikai to consider the diplomatic implications, and she will focus on the post-disaster restoration and reconstruction efforts in Kumamoto.
Previously, at a press conference on August 7, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihori Kimura said when asked whether Koizumi would visit the Yasukuni Shrine on August 15, “It will be the Prime Minister who will make the appropriate judgment.”
Before becoming Prime Minister, Governor Takahashi visited the Yasukuni Shrine several times. He once declared, "As a Japanese person, no matter what position I hold, I will continue to visit the Yasukuni Shrine."
However, during the autumn ceremonial festival in October last year and the spring ceremonial festival in April this year, just before becoming prime minister, she did not attend the ceremonies. Instead, she paid for the "offerings" (ceremonial fees) herself.
In October last year, when Kaisho was elected as the president of the Liberal Democratic Party, he said at a press conference regarding whether he would visit the Yasukuni Shrine after becoming prime minister: "I will make an appropriate decision based on the circumstances, and it must not be turned into a foreign policy issue."
In February this year, when asked about visiting the Yasukuni Shrine during an interview, Gao also stated, “We are working hard to create an environment where visits to the shrine can take place.”
Regarding this statement by Gao, Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, previously stated that the Yasukuni Shrine is a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarism's aggressive wars abroad. It houses 14 Class-A war criminals who bear serious responsibility for those aggressive wars. The essence of the Yasukuni Shrine issue lies in whether Japan can correctly recognize and deeply reflect on its militaryist aggression history. This matter concerns human conscience, the political foundation of Sino-Japanese relations, and Japan's national credibility.
"Forgetting history means betraying one's country, and denying responsibility means committing another crime." Lin Jian pointed out that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo trial. In this special year, Japan should particularly face its aggression past and reflect on it, especially when dealing with major historical issues like Yasukuni Shrine. It is imperative to exercise caution and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, cutting off ties with militarism through tangible action.
