Government expresses “deep disappointment and regrets” over Japanese government officials’ visit to Yasukuni Shrine, urging for genuine reflection through actions.

“An important foundation for the future-oriented development of Korea-Japan relations”,

[Yonhap],
,
, ‘[Herald Economy=Reporter Hong Seung-hee] The government expressed regret over Korean Liberation Day and Japan’s Day of Defeat on the 15th, as senior Japanese figures such as Prime Minister Kishida Fumio paid tribute or worshiped at the Yasukuni Shrine, where Class-A war criminals from World War II are enshrined.’,
,
, ‘The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a commentary on the day, “The government deeply expresses disappointment and regret over the fact that responsible Japanese figures once again provided offering or worshiped at the Yasukuni Shrine, which ennoble Japan’s past invasion wars and enshrine war criminals.”‘,
,
, ‘It also urged, “The government urges responsible Japanese leaders to face history, humbly reflect on the past, and show true remorse through actions” and emphasized once again that “this is an important foundation for the future-oriented development of Korea-Japan relations.”‘,
,
, “Since taking office in October 2021, Prime Minister Kishida has responded to offering at Yasukuni Shrine on Japan’s Day of Defeat each year, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded at the level of commentary. In this day’s commentary, a passage emphasizing ‘an important foundation for the future-oriented development of Korea-Japan relations’ was added compared to previous years.”,
,
, ‘According to Kyodo News, Prime Minister Kishida offered tamagushi (a Shinto offering of a sakaki branch with paper strips) at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward that morning.’,
,
, ‘Current cabinet ministers, Defense Minister Kihara Minoru and Economy Minister Shindo Yoshitaka, visited Yasukuni Shrine in person to pay respects. As a result, the visit by current cabinet ministers on Japan’s Day of Defeat has continued for the fifth consecutive year since 2020.’,
,
, ‘Yasukuni Shrine commemorates the spirits of more than 2.466 million people who died in internal conflicts in Japan before and after the Meiji Restoration and in numerous wars instigated by Japan. It also enshrines 14 Class-A war criminals from the Pacific War, including former Prime Minister Tojo Hideki, who was executed following the Tokyo Trials.’,
,
,