What is Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, linked to Japan’s wartime atrocities?
Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, established in 1869, commemorates approximately 2.5 million Japanese war dead, including 14 convicted war criminals. Visits by Japanese officials to the shrine, which honors those who died in wars since 1869, have consistently drawn criticism from China and South Korea.
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Open questions and key claims
Koizumi stated he visited to 'offer his sincere condolences to the heroic spirits who sacrificed their precious lives for the nation'.
China has strongly condemned Japanese leaders for visiting the Yasukuni Shrine on the anniversary of Japan's WWII surrender.
Beijing lodged a formal protest after Japanese defence chief Shinjiro Koizumi visited the shrine.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a ritual offering to the shrine.
The shrine also honors 14 convicted war criminals.
Yasukuni Shrine commemorates approximately 2.5 million Japanese soldiers and civilians killed in World War II.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi prayed at Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine on Saturday.
Yasukuni Shrine is seen by Japan's Asian neighbors as a symbol of the country's past militarism.
Who and where
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