Unlike most places where people go to pay their respects to the war dead, Yasukuni Shrine can often be polarising, not to mention controversial; the inclusion of war criminals among the 2,466,000 men and women enshrined there creating friction with Japan’s neighbours, as well as within the country itself. And, as a focal point of sorts for nationalist organisations, the situation is made even more problematic.
This contradiction of respect and rallying point is arguably no more visible than on National Foundation Day, a holiday held every February 11 to celebrate the birth of the nation and its imperial line. An anniversary that draws large numbers of uniform-clad extremists to the shrine — like this substantial gathering photographed last year. More images of which can be seen here.
And yet on the same day, there are also numerous visits from Japanese veterans. Men who are also there to pay their respects, but for far less contentious reasons. Scenes of which in no way absolve the shrine of its past actions, but do highlight its poignancy — and importance.
But, with Yasukuni being Yasukuni, there’s always a sense that things aren’t necessarily what they seem. Regardless of whether that’s true, or not.
Charlie says
No snow this year eh?
Lee says
No, unfortunately not. The weather last year was utterly miserable, but it did make for some atmospheric photographs.
winnie says
Impressive shot!!
They are so amazing especially blowing the Bugle! Cool!!
Lee says
Thanks! They made for quite a sight that’s for sure.
Hans ter Horst says
Great reportage, I do respect the veterans but the right wing people that (mis-)use that shrine scare me.
Lee says
Thank you.
Yeah, the nationalists all turned up shortly after I took these photographs. In such large numbers, they can certainly be intimidating. Stood there, with a camera, I didn’t exactly get many smiles….
Lizzy says
It might be an ingrained belief in the importance of churce/state seperation; but it makes me kind of happy that they did not exclude the war criminals from being enshrined. I don’t know their reasoning, but on the outside at least I think it says something positive about them. It’s just kind of hard to put into words….. Like, they weren’t going to get into the middle of the political “might makes right” argument because everyone fights for what they believe in?
Lee says
That’s an interesting point. I’d never thought about it like that.
The trouble is, government ministers visit the shrine, arguably legitimising/endorsing the inclusion of war criminals. An issue that understandably causes huge issues with Japan’s neighbours. And yet every country should be able to pay its repsects to the war dead.
What the answer is though I don’t know. There has been talk of creating a new memorial, but that doesn’t seem to have got very far.
Lizzy says
Government involvement generally seems to make things more complicated. Again, I don’t know much about the whole situation, but it seems like a new memorial would be a good idea. Hopefully pulling the shrine out from being in the dead center of the controversy. At least as far as percieved (or actual?) government endorsement.
Lee says
Yes, I believe it would be a good idea too. The only viable solution really. But whether it will ever happen or not remains to be seen…
Ana says
“Scenes of which in no way absolve the shrine of its past actions, but do highlight its poignancy — and importance.”
Well, it must do some good to have the new warmongers standing out to be counted. Not surprised that veterans and the younger folk do not mix all that much [do they?]. One way to know whether belated diplomatic penance gets the unholy pleasures of violence forgotten as well as forgiven… can’t think of many other ways. I’d be curious to hear what reasons the shrine gave and gives.
robashito says
Freaky…… I have encountered these fools many times during my 21 years of existence in Tokyo. The “Black Trucks” always scared the living day lights out of me during my youth. Being half Japanese and being this “skate punk” during the 80’s, I made sure I stayed cleared away from these “ultra-nationalists”.
awesome photos as usual.
Lee says
Cheers.
Yeah, I know what you mean. Seeing (and hearing) the trucks going past just irritates me, but having to walk through a large group of them can be quite intimidating.