A Tokyo shrine, known for its association with Japan’s past militarism, has reported a second case of graffiti within three months. Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo is dedicated to honoring the 2.5 million individuals, mostly Japanese, who lost their lives in wars since the late 19th century, including convicted war criminals.
Government officials frequently visit Yasukuni Shrine to pay their respects. On the 79th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II last Thursday, three government ministers and numerous lawmakers were among those who paid homage at the shrine. However, these visits have sparked anger among some of Japan’s Asian neighbors and former victims of its imperialism, particularly China and South Korea.
An official from Yasukuni Shrine confirmed the occurrence of another graffiti incident but did not provide any further details on the matter. Footage from public broadcaster NHK revealed that a stone pillar at the shrine had been defaced with Chinese words that translate to “Dog toilet poo. Militarism go to hell.”
This is not the first time such an incident has taken place at Yasukuni Shrine. In late May, a Chinese man allegedly conspired with two others to spray-paint the word “toilet” in red on one of the pillars at the shrine. The suspect involved in that incident was later arrested by Tokyo police on charges of vandalism and disrespect for a place of worship.
Yasukuni Shrine also houses a museum that presents Japan as primarily a victim of U.S. aggression during World War II while downplaying or omitting references to the extreme brutality exhibited by invading Imperial troops as they swept through Asia.
The repeated instances of graffiti targeting this controversial shrine highlight ongoing tensions between Japan and its neighboring countries over historical issues related to wartime aggression and atrocities committed during that period.
© 2024 AFP