In Kishida’s first speech since taking office in October, he vowed Japan would “never repeat the horrors of war” at a somber ceremony Monday marking the 77th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. “I will continue to keep this resolute oath,” Kishida said. “In a world where conflicts are still unabated, Japan, under the banner of proactive pacifism, will do its best to cooperate with the international community to resolve the various challenges facing the world.” In his speech, Kishida highlighted the damage Japan suffered from US atomic bombing during World War II and said the prosperity Japan enjoys today is due to the sacrifices of those who died in the war. More From NextShark: Uncle Roger Removes Video With YouTuber Mike Chen Due To Previous Criticism In China The anniversary is traditionally marked by visits to Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, which commemorates those who died in Japan’s service, including 14 wartime leaders convicted as war criminals. The visits, which often spark disputes, are seen by China and South Korea as a symbol of Japan’s past militarism. Although Kishida did not visit the shrine, he reportedly sent a religious ornament, as he did in 2021, as an offering. Three of his cabinet members, including Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, Kenya Disaster Reconstruction Minister Akiba and Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, decided to visit the shrine. “I paid respect to the spirits of those who sacrificed their lives for national politics,” Takaichi reportedly told reporters, while also noting her prayer for an end to the war in Ukraine. More from NextShark: Minnesota’s first Asian-American GOP chairwoman defends Trump’s use of ‘Chinese virus’ “In any country, it is natural to pay respect to those who sacrificed their lives for their nation,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno was quoted as saying in defense of the visits. “There is no change in Japan’s policy of strengthening ties with neighbors China and South Korea.” The story continues However, visits to the shrine continue to draw criticism from China and South Korea. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wengbin said Japan must “deeply reflect” on its history and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors by acting responsibly. More from NextShark: Family-owned fruit business in San Jose has all of its valuables seized by burglars “Some Japanese political figures often 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 Taiwan’s return to China,” Wang said. In South Korea, officials have expressed “deep disappointment” over visits to the shrine, which they believe glosses over Japan’s past invasions. “The Korean government urges the responsible people of Japan to face history and show humble reflection and genuine reflection on the past through action,” a South Korean foreign ministry spokesman was quoted as saying in a statement. More from NextShark: AAPI activist and climate activist accuse each other of sexual assault The day also marks Korea’s National Liberation Day, a holiday celebrated in both North and South Korea. Each year it commemorates Victory over Japan Day, when the US and the Soviet Union restored Korea’s independence after 35 years of Japanese rule. Featured image via Reuters
