SEOUL, Oct. 17 — South Korea on Friday expressed regret over Japanese politicians sending offerings to the notorious war-linked Yasukuni Shrine, seen as a symbol of the militaristic and colonial past of Japan. The South Korean Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the government expressed deep disappointment and regret over the fact that leaders of Japan once again sent offerings to or visited the Yasukuni Shrine, which glorifies Japan’s war of aggression and enshrines war criminals. The ministry urged the Japanese leaders to squarely face history and demonstrate through action their humble reflection and sincere remorse for Japan’s past acts, noting that this will become an important foundation for the establishment of future-oriented South Korea-Japan relations based on mutual trust. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba sent a ritual offering, called “masakaki,” on the occasion of the shrine’s three-day autumn festival. Some Japanese politicians and members of parliament have insisted on visiting the shrine, which has been strongly opposed by many peace-loving people at home and abroad. The shrine honors 14 convicted Class-A Japanese war criminals from World War II, including Hideki Tojo. It has long been a source of diplomatic friction between Japan and its neighbors.
Xinhua
