With December 26 around the corner, Prime Minister hopeful Sanae Takaichi’s potential visit to Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine has once again sparked buzz across Asia 🌏✨.
Known for her right-wing views, Takaichi has a track record of shrine visits and has even questioned established conclusions about Japan’s wartime actions. Now, analysts wonder: will she follow in former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s footsteps and head to Yasukuni on the same date he visited in 2013? 🤔
A visit on that symbolic day could trigger strong protests from China and South Korea, who see Yasukuni as a painful reminder of past aggression. On the flip side, some think she might skip it to soften her diplomatic stance—she’s talked about "deepening Japan–South Korea ties" and reaching out to Chinese leaders.
What’s all the fuss about? Yasukuni Shrine honors the souls of war dead, including 14 so-called Class-A war criminals like Hideki Tojo. For many in Asia, a leader’s visit looks like a denial of Japan’s defeat in World War II and a wink at reviving militarist ideas—a red flag for regional peace 🌐🚩.
Beyond politics, this debate is really about historical memory and responsibility. For young people across South and Southeast Asia, it’s a reminder that how we remember the past shapes our shared future. Will Takaichi’s decision ease tensions or fan the flames? Stay tuned! 🔍
Reference(s):
Takaichi's possible Yasukuni visit revives wartime history concerns
cgtn.com
