Seoul expresses regret over Japan's offerings to Yasukuni Shrine

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida walks away after offering a flower during a memorial service in Tokyo, Japan, Tuesday, marking the 78th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. Reuters-Yonhap

By Jung Da-hyun

Seoul expressed regret, Tuesday, over Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sending offerings to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, a site known for glorifying Japan's wartime aggression, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to Japan's Kyodo News, Kishida sent a ritual offering to the shrine in Tokyo, while some other politicians and government officials visited the place in person on the occasion of the anniversary of the country's surrender in World War II.

The site enshrines Japan's war dead, including 14 Class A war criminals from World War II. Visits and offerings by Japanese government officials often stoke tensions between Japan and neighboring countries, including Korea and China, which view such activities as a symbol of Japan's past imperialism.

"The government expresses deep disappointment and regrets that responsible leaders of the Japanese government and parliament sent offerings or paid visits to the Yasukuni Shrine that beautifies Japan's past war of aggression," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"Our government urges responsible figures in Japan to look squarely at history and show genuine reflection and repentance on the past through action.”

The controversial acts occurred on the same day when President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized the importance of security ties with Japan during his speech marking the 78th National Liberation Day, describing the neighboring country as a partner that shares universal values and pursues common interests.

Since taking office in October 2021, Kishida has sent offerings on six occasions ― but without visiting in person to avoid strong condemnation from Seoul and Beijing.

Prominent figures from Japan's political circles who visited the shrine and paid their respects include Koichi Hagiuda, the policy chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, Kyodo added.

Japanese government officials visit the Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo to mark the 78th anniversary of the end of World War II, Tuesday. AP-Yonhap

The timing of these events is also notable, given that it took place just three days ahead of a three-way summit that will also include the United States. At the event scheduled for Friday (local time) at Camp David, the U.S. presidential retreat in Maryland, Yoon plans to discuss pending issues between the three countries with U.S. President Joe Biden and Kishida.

Since taking office in May 2022, Yoon has placed significant importance on fostering a cooperative relationship with Japan, especially concerning security and economic matters.

Seoul relinquished its demand for Japanese companies to compensate South Korean victims of wartime forced labor, a contentious issue for years. In return, Tokyo ended its 2019 restrictions on technology exports to Korea.