What is Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, linked to Japan’s wartime atrocities?
Summary
Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine honors about 2.5 million Japanese soldiers and civilians who died in wars, including 14 convicted war criminals from World War II. Some Japanese officials visit the shrine to pay respects, but China and South Korea criticize these visits because they see the shrine as a symbol of Japan’s past military aggression in Asia.Key Facts
- The Yasukuni Shrine was built in 1869 to honor those who died in Japan’s wars.
- Around 2.5 million people are enshrined there, including convicted war criminals from World War II.
- Many Japanese politicians and millions of visitors pay respects at the shrine annually.
- Visits by officials often cause protests and criticism from China and South Korea.
- The shrine includes 14 “Class A War Criminals” who were convicted by Allied courts after World War II.
- Japan’s wartime crimes included mass killings and forced sexual slavery.
- Japan’s current leaders have mixed approaches to visiting the shrine amid diplomatic tensions.
- The shrine’s name, “Yasukuni,” means “to preserve peace” in Japanese.
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