Kathmandu— Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited the Yasukuni Shrine on Saturday, a site honoring millions of war dead including convicted war criminals, prompting strong reactions from neighboring countries. The visit occurred on the 81st anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II and drew rebukes from both China and South Korea, who view the shrine as a symbol of Japan's lack of remorse for its wartime actions. Koizumi later stated he visited to offer condolences and reaffirm Japan’s commitment to peace.

Yasukuni Shrine and Regional Concerns

Koizumi, a frequent visitor to Yasukuni Shrine, did not respond to questions from reporters after his visit. He later explained on Instagram that he went to offer “sincere condolences to the heroic spirits who sacrificed their precious lives for the nation.”

He added that he reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to its postwar path as a peaceful nation, vowing to renounce war. Other Japanese defence ministers have visited Yasukuni previously, with Minoru Kihara making a visit in 2024. The last sitting prime minister to visit was Shinzo Abe in December 2013, which drew criticism from the United States at that time.

While Prime Minister Takaichi did not visit this year, she reportedly sent an offering to the shrine, continuing a practice of previous administrations. The visits continue to be a point of contention between Japan and its neighbors.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.