VOICED : Tokyos leafy Yasukuni

The Yasukuni Shrine, a site for honoring Japan's war dead, is a source of controversy due to its inclusion of convicted war criminals. It is a flashpoint in Japan's relations with its Asian neighbors, particularly China and South Korea, who view visits by Japanese leaders as a denial of Japan's wartime aggression. The shrine also faces domestic criticism for its historical implications. Despite these tensions, the shrine remains a significant cultural and political symbol.

What is the primary purpose of the Yasukuni Shrine for most visitors?

• To celebrate Japan's military victories

• To pray for ancestors who died in battle

• To protest against Japan's wartime actions

• To learn about Japan's history

Why do visits by Japanese lawmakers to the Yasukuni Shrine cause tension with China?

• They are considered a diplomatic gesture

• They are viewed as a religious pilgrimage

• They are seen as a denial of Japan's wartime aggression

• They are believed to be a sign of military expansion

How does South Korea perceive the Yasukuni Shrine?

• As a symbol of peace and reconciliation

• As a tourist attraction

• As a reminder of Tokyo's brutal occupation

• As a place for cultural exchange

What is the stance of liberal politicians in Japan regarding the Yasukuni Shrine?

• They support it as a cultural heritage site

• They are indifferent to its significance

• They avoid it due to its historical implications

• They promote it as a symbol of national pride

What ongoing issue is influenced by the presence of the Yasukuni Shrine?

• Technological advancements

• Diplomatic tensions over disputed islands

• Economic trade agreements

• Environmental conservation efforts