Seoul, South Korea — South Korea on Tuesday expressed deep regret over a Japanese politician’s ritual offering to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine during its annual spring festival.
The South Korean Foreign Ministry released a statement conveying disappointment after Shigeru Ishiba, a prominent Japanese lawmaker and former defense minister, sent a ritual tree called “masakaki” to the shrine on the first day of the three-day ceremony.
“The government expresses deep disappointment and regret over the fact that Japan’s responsible leaders once again sent offerings to and paid respects at the Yasukuni Shrine, which glorifies Japan’s war of aggression and enshrines war criminals,” the statement read.
The ministry urged Japanese leaders to “squarely face history” and demonstrate “humble reflection and sincere remorse” for past actions, emphasizing that such steps are crucial for building mutual trust and fostering future-oriented relations between South Korea and Japan.
Historical Tensions Resurface
The Yasukuni Shrine, located in central Tokyo, honors millions of Japanese war dead, including 14 convicted Class-A war criminals from World War II, such as former Prime Minister Hideki Tojo. Tojo served during the Second World War and was a key figure in Japan’s military actions during that period.
The shrine has long been a source of diplomatic friction between Japan and its neighboring countries, particularly South Korea and China, who view visits and offerings by Japanese officials as a sign of unrepentant nationalism and a refusal to acknowledge wartime atrocities.
Calls for Reflection and Remorse
South Korea’s call for sincere reflection comes at a time when the two countries are seeking to improve bilateral relations amid shared regional concerns. The ministry stressed that acknowledging historical truths is an essential foundation for cooperation and building a peaceful future.
“We urge Japanese leaders to take responsible actions that can heal the wounds of the past and contribute to strengthening cooperation between our nations,” the statement concluded.
The issue of honoring war-linked sites remains a sensitive topic in East Asia, and actions related to the Yasukuni Shrine continue to draw sharp reactions from countries affected by Japan’s wartime actions.
