According to a report by the Japanese Yomiuri Shimbun on August 16, Kobayashi Tezuka, the chairman of the Liberal Party's affairs investigation committee, paid a visit to the Yasukuni Shrine on that day. The previous day (August 15), Suzuki Toshio, the secretary-general of the Liberal Party, Ayamura Yoshiko, the general secretary, and Nishimura Yasunori, the election policy committee chairman, had also paid visits to the Yasukuni Shrine.
Due to the importance of their positions, these four people are known as the “four-wheel chariot” within the Liberal Democratic Party. Previously, several relevant individuals revealed that these four people coordinated to visit the Yasukuni Shrine collectively on August 15, the anniversary of the defeat. However, due to the rare heavy rainstorm in Chiba Prefecture, where he resides, Kobayashi Tetsuji was unable to join the other three in visiting the shrine; instead, he returned home to deal with the disaster situation.
August 15th, senior members of the Liberal Party collectively visited the Yasukuni Shrine. From left to right: Suzuki Toshio, Arimura Yoshiko, Nishimura Yasunori.
August 16th, Kobayashi Hiko visited the Yasukuni Shrine
Although in previous years some high-ranking members of the Liberal Party have visited the Yasukuni Shrine, it is rare for several top party officials to visit together. Although some members of the Liberal Party have told the Sankei Shimbun that “this is just a visit in the capacity of the Liberal Party,” these four individuals hold positions within the core leadership of the Liberal Party, ranking just below the party president. If this collective visit takes place, it will set an extremely bad precedent.
According to Japanese media such as Kyodo News, on August 15, Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan delivered a speech at the so-called 'commemorative ceremony for the fallen in the war', stating that 'we will never allow the tragedy of war to happen again', but did not mention 'reparation'.
In addition, when arriving at the Japanese Dojo where a so-called "national memorial ceremony for fallen soldiers" was held, Yukie Kato bowed towards the Japan Defense Agency, which is located hundreds of meters away. People around Kato explained that "this was an act of bowing towards the Japan Defense Agency."
According to Japanese media such as Kyodo News, on August 15, Koike Manako offered 'jeweled offerings' to the Yasukuni Shrine.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, on August 15, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs answered reporters' questions regarding Japanese politicians visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, which enshrines war criminals of the first grade.
The spokesperson stated that China strongly condemns Japan's negative actions regarding the Yasukuni Shrine, and has already made a formal protest to Japan.
Japan launched aggressive wars abroad during World War II and committed inhumane crimes. The so-called "Yasukuni Shrine" is a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarism. The 14 class-A war criminals enshrined in this shrine are the chief culprits behind the aggressive wars, making it in fact a "war-crime shrine." No matter what excuses Japanese politicians invent, they cannot hide their real intention of rehabilitating these war criminals, covering up war crimes, distorting historical facts, and paving the way for accelerated militarization. Such wrongful actions are a desecration of historical justice, a challenge to the boundaries of civilization, and an affront to the post-war international order. The international community unanimously opposes such actions.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trials. A correct understanding and approach to history is an important prerequisite for Japan to return to the international community after the war. It serves as the political foundation for Japan's relations with its neighbors, and it is also an important criterion for judging whether Japan can fulfill its commitments to peaceful development. We urge Japan to deeply reflect on its aggressive history, sever ties with militarism, and take practical actions to gain the trust of Asian neighbors and the international community.
