Political situation in Japan

Minister: Renewed my vow to reject war

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi believes that his visit to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine is not a sign that Japan is moving in a more bellicose or confrontational direction, writes Kyodo News.

"I renewed my vow to reject war," the minister writes on X.

The visit has drawn criticism from China, which, like many Japanese, sees the shrine as a symbol of the old militaristic Japan.

Previously, most Japanese ministers have avoided visiting the shrine.

Japanese minister visits war memorial - China protests

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has visited a controversial shrine dedicated to Japanese soldiers who died during World War II, reports Reuters.

The visit took place on the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender.

The Yasukuni Shrine has long been seen as a symbol of Japanese militarism. When Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited it in 2013, it drew fierce criticism not only from Japan's closest neighbors, but also from its closest ally, the United States.

China has already lodged a formal protest following today's visit.