This Thursday (December 25, 2025), Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova called out Japan for trying to gloss over its history of militarist aggression and war crimes. In a press briefing responding to Xinhua's question about Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi possibly visiting Tokyo's controversial Yasukuni Shrine, Zakharova didn't hold back.
She highlighted that the Yasukuni Shrine isn't just a memorial – it enshrines Class-A war criminals sentenced by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East after WWII. "It's hard to imagine the human cost of Japanese militarism and the suffering it caused, but the historical records are clear," she said.
Zakharova went on to suggest a more meaningful path to atonement: building a dedicated memorial for the victims of wartime atrocities and sending official representatives to pay tribute regularly. 🕊️ "This would be a real step toward acknowledging the tragedies and honoring those who suffered," she noted.
This isn't the first time history and memory have clashed in East Asia. From school textbook debates in Seoul and Beijing to commemorations across Southeast Asia, the wounds of WWII still shape regional relations today. For young South and Southeast Asians navigating their own histories, these conversations matter – it's about justice, remembrance, and learning so the past doesn't repeat. 📜
Whether Japan will take up Russia's call remains to be seen, but the message is clear: facing history honestly is crucial for building trust and lasting peace in the region. 🤝
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
