[Editorial] The Obstinacy of Worshiping at Yasukuni

"Korea-Japan Friendship Year," set aside to celebrate the 40th anniversary of relations between the two countries, is coming to an end having left a bitter aftertaste. Diverse cultural exchange programs were held throughout the year, but as a whole 2005 was not a time when the citizens of each country opened their hearts to each other.

Now you learn of more news from Japan that reminds you of the bitter atmosphere. The Japanese government will not include money that would fund the exploration of the possibility of constructing an alternative to the Yasukuni Shrine in next year's budget. Chief cabinet secretary Shinzo Abe put it simply, saying it will never happen during the government of prime minister Junichiro Koizumi.

Narrow-minded nationalist factors that exist in both countries are frequently noted as the obstacle that prevents the promotion of true reconciliation. Imprudent comments and behavior by politicians has made the problem more complicated. Prime minister Koizumi's acts of worship at Yasukuni were decisive in ruining the mood of the "friendship year." Every year since assuming office in 2001 he has completely ignored domestic and international opinion while calculating opportune times to go and worship. Because of his obstinacy based in a misled view of history, Japan is unable to hold normal summit talks with Korea and China.

The rational way to resolve the abnormal situation would be for the Japanese prime minister to declare that he will stop worshiping at Yasukuni and for Japan to construct a memorial facility that functions as an alternative to the shrine. Over 100 members of the Japanese parliament have formed a group exclusively to pursue the construction of an alternative facility, and Korea and China have suggested Japan do so at summit talks. There can be no progress in resolving the issue unless the key players in Koizumi's government stop ignoring domestic and international demands. The more Japanese society avoids dealing with this issue head on, the more ruinous it will be for East Asia as a whole.

The Hankyoreh, 24 December 2005.

[Translations by Seoul Selection]