China Alarmed by Rites of Spring at Yasukuni Shrine

The English website of Yasukuni Jinja informs us that the Annual Spring Rites are the most important events at the shrine, which was established by Emperor Meiji in 1869 to honor Japan’s war dead. This year, the rites were held from April 21 to 23. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent an offering of sprigs from the evergreen sakaki tree, but she did not go to the shrine herself. However, more than 120 Japanese legislators visited on April 22.

The Chinese and the South Koreans were not pleased. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rolled out its usual tirade, firmly opposing and strongly condemning Takaichi’s offering and calling it “a provocation against Japan’s war victims.” South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong disappointment and serious concern.

Before becoming prime minister, Takaichi visited Yasukuni every year. Now she is following a not-quite-established practice of not doing so while in office. But she is presiding over an expanding Japanese military buildup.