Time to put an end to Japanese‘ghost worship'

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photo file(People's Daily Online)

On August 6 this year Hiroshima marked the 68th anniversary of the atomic bomb that fell on the western Japanese city. Instead of prayers for peace after a profound reflection on the lessons of history, Japan preferred to occupy itself with "ghost worship". The country's right-wing politicians have announced their intention of visiting the Yasukuni Shrine on August 15th, the date of Japan's surrender. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has stated to the media that the cabinet are free to act as they wish, and that he will do nothing to discourage their visits.

Every year on August 15th, a historical scar is reopened by the refusal of Japanese politicians to face up to their history of aggression - a refusal that is encapsulated in their "ghost worship”. Every time this date approaches, right-wing Japanese politicians parade their distorted view of war and history.

According to Japanese media reports, among cabinet members Tomomi Inada, the minister in charge of Administrative Reform, and National Public Security chairman Keiji Furuya have vowed to visit the Yasukuni Shrine on the date of defeat, while the minister of Culture, Hakubun Shimomura, who will be on a foreign trip, has already indicated his attention to make a visit in advance of the date. Tomomi Inada has also said that she has secured formal approval for a visit from the prime minister's office.

Japanese politicians understand perfectly well the injury to the feelings of other Asian peoples caused by their "ghost worship". And yet, a few days ago, Japan's deputy prime minister Tarō Asō announced that it is perfectly natural to honor and give thanks to those who lost their lives for Japan, and that it is appropriate to visit the Yasukuni Shrine. These are shameless and aggressive words that disdain the impact they have on the sensitivities of other peoples.

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