We have always argued that whatever pretext the Japanese prime minister gives for worshiping at the Yasukuni Shrine it is a glorification of colonial rule and the war of aggression, and that it will end up preventing the construction of an East Asian community that is currently in its infancy. Among citizens hoping for true reconciliation and cooperation in East Asia there is wide agreement on that, regardless of their nationality. Prime minister Junichiro Koizumi is surely aware of the fact there is public opinion that wishes to see the development of a mature East Asian community, so his visit to Yasukuni, where memorial tablets of Class A war criminals are enshrined, should rightly be denounced as a reckless attempt to turn back the wheels of history.
Perhaps aware of the criticism, Koizumi did not go up to the main shrine building. He wore a regular suit and stressed that he was making a person a visit, saying he was there "not as prime minister but as one of the country's citizens." He repeated the same prefab statements about how he was there to pledge his resolve that there should be no more war and that he would place importance on relations with Asian nations. Whatever deceptive rhetoric he rattles on with, however, the fact remains that the prime minister worships at a shrine about whither there is no end to international controversy. He will have to bear all responsibility for all the effects his inappropriate actions cause in the region.
The reason we think the situation should be taken seriously is because in September's election Koizumi's party won enough seats in the lower house of the Diet to pass legislation proposing amendments to the constitution. When an erroneous perception of history is combined with the parliamentary rule of old-establishment forces the concern is that there could be more distrust and friction instead of the construction of an East Asian community. East Asia will lose standing room on the stage of international cooperation if civic forces with rational judgment don't intensify their cooperation to restrain the rampancy of old-establishment forces in Japan.
The Hankyoreh, 18 October 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Yasukuni Visits Destroy East Asian Community |