Japanese political figures visit, send offerings to notorious war-linked Yasukuni Shrine on WWII anniversary
Global TimesAUG 18
Japan Marks 80th WWII Anniversary Amid Shrine Controversy
Above: People pay respects to the country's war dead at the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025. Image credit: David Mareuil/Anadolu/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
Ishiba's use of "remorse" after a decade shows a genuine commitment to acknowledging Japan's wartime history. His pledge to pass war memories to younger generations demonstrates responsible leadership in ensuring historical lessons aren't forgotten.
Government-critical narrative
Cabinet ministers visiting Yasukuni severely undermines any diplomatic progress from Ishiba's words of remorse. The shrine openly glorifies convicted war criminals and represents Japan's continued failure to honestly confront its aggressive wartime past, further damaging already fragile regional trust.