Seoul, August 24: North Korea has sharply criticized the controversial visit of Japanese leaders and lawmakers to the Yasukuni Shrine, labeling it a “neo-militarism frenzy.” According to Pyongyang, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi’s visit will bring a storm of destruction to the island nation.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) accused Japanese politicians of promoting military ambitions in a commentary published by the agency. This reaction follows the activities of Japanese leaders and lawmakers at the Yasukuni Shrine on August 15, the anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.
The KCNA stated that Prime Minister Sanae Takaiichi’s “sudden worship” reflects her plan to create an atmosphere of renewed aggression across the country and her attempts to fulfill Japan’s longstanding desire for expansion abroad.
KCNA warned, “The newly incited militaristic frenzy from Japan on the occasion of its defeat will bring a storm of destruction to this island nation.”
The Yasukuni Shrine honors approximately 2.46 million people who died in Japan’s wars, including 14 Class-A war criminals convicted for their actions during World War II. This is why neighboring countries, including South Korea and China, view visits by Japanese leaders as attempts to glorify Japan’s militaristic past.
On August 15, Prime Minister Sanae Takaiichi sent offerings to the Yasukuni Shrine but did not visit herself. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and other senior leaders did visit the shrine.
South Korea has also expressed strong objections to these visits, urging Japan to confront its wartime history and show genuine remorse for the past.
Japan is moving forward with plans to strengthen its defense capabilities and change its national security policy. Pyongyang has previously criticized Japan’s military expansion and security policies as “neo-militarism.”
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