Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida vowed his nation would never again wage war throughout a ceremony on the anniversary of Japan’s World War II defeat.
In Kishida’s first tackle since taking workplace in October, he promised Japan would “never again repeat the horrors of war” at a somber ceremony on Monday which marked the 77th anniversary of Japan’s World War II give up.
“I will continue to live up to this determined oath,” Kishida said. “In a world where conflicts are still unabated, Japan, under the banner of proactive pacifism, will do its utmost to work together with the international community to resolve the various challenges facing the world.”
In his speech, Kishida highlighted the damages Japan has suffered from the U.S. atomic bombings throughout World War II, and he stated that the prosperity that Japan has as we speak is due to the sacrifices of those that died within the war.
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The anniversary is historically marked by visits to Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, which commemorates those that died in service of Japan, together with 14 wartime leaders who had been convicted as war criminals. The visits, which frequently spark disputes, are considered by China and South Korea as a logo of Japan’s previous militarism.
Although Kishida didn’t go to the shrine, he reportedly sent a spiritual decoration, as he also did in 2021, as an providing as a substitute. Three of his cupboard members, together with Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, Disaster Reconstruction Minister Kenya Akiba and Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, determined to go to the shrine.
“I paid respects to the spirits of those who sacrificed their lives for the national policy,” Takaichi reportedly advised reporters, whereas additionally noting her prayer for the top of the war in Ukraine.
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“In any country, it is natural to pay respects to those who sacrificed their lives to their nation,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno reportedly stated, defending the visits. “There is no change to Japan’s policy of strengthening its ties with its neighbors China and South Korea.”
However, the shrine visits proceed to spark criticism from China and South Korea.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wengbin stated Japan wants to “deeply reflect” on its historical past and to acquire the belief of its Asian neighbors by appearing responsibly.
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“Some Japanese political figures frequently distort and glorify the history of aggression in various ways, and openly violate the Cairo Declaration and other important legal documents that clearly provide for the return of Taiwan to China,” Wang stated.
In South Korea, officers have expressed “deep disappointment” in direction of the shrine visits, which they imagine beautifies Japan’s previous invasions.
“The Korean government is urging Japan’s responsible people to face history and show humble reflection and genuine reflection on the past through action,” a spokesperson for South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly stated in a press release.
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The day additionally marks the National Liberation Day of Korea, a vacation that’s celebrated in each North and South Korea. It yearly commemorates Victory over Japan Day, when the U.S. and the Soviet Union restored Korea’s independence after 35 years of Japanese rule.
Featured Image through Reuters
