Japanese gather in Tokyo to protest Yasukuni Shrine visits

Hundreds of Japanese citizens rallied in Tokyo on Friday to oppose officials visiting the notorious Yasukuni Shrine, which honors 14 convicted Class-A Japanese war criminals from World War II and recognized as a symbol of the Japanese militarists responsible for the war of aggression.

Protesters held banners reading "Oppose Yasukuni Shrine" and "Oppose War," while chanting slogans as they marched through the streets.

The demonstrators called on the Japanese government to squarely face up to the wartime aggression and take responsibility, firmly opposing visits to the shrine by cabinet members and lawmakers.

During the annual memorial ceremony for the war dead, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed "remorse" for Japan's actions during World War II on Friday, the 80th anniversary of the country's unconditional surrender. However, critics noted that his remarks did not address Japan's responsibility for its aggression against Asian nations.

"In his speech, Prime Minister Ishiba specifically mentioned the word 'reflection.' But I think this is just a starting point, not an endpoint. After all, it has been 80 years since the war was over, and Japan should not perceive it as a victim to the question of 'why did this war happen?' It must pursue the accountability of the perpetrator for its actions fundamentally, as a nation and as Japanese citizens. Otherwise, this issue cannot be truly settled," said a protester.

Although Ishiba did not personally visit the Yasukuni Shrine, several politicians from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party did, prompting further criticisms from protesters.

"[The Yasukuni Shrine] is a symbol of nationalism and militarism. Politicians’ visits and paying respects there imply a return to war again, right? Such actions, I think, absolutely cannot be allowed," another protester said.

The Yasukuni Shrine has long been a source of diplomatic friction between Japan and its neighbors.

Also on Friday, similar gatherings and protests were held across Japan, including in Kanagawa and Osaka Prefectures, with participants calling for reflection on the country’s history of aggression and commitment to peace.

Japanese gather in Tokyo to protest Yasukuni Shrine visits

China is willing to strengthen communication, enhance trust, eliminate interference, and deepen cooperation with Canada to bring bilateral relations forward on a steady and sound track in solid strides under the new circumstances, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in Beijing on the day.

Referring to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to China, the first by a Canadian prime minister in eight years, Wang said the trip marks a milestone in bilateral ties and signals a turning point in the relationship.

The leaders of the two countries will hold meetings and talks, which are expected to open up new prospects for bilateral relations, said Wang.

The world today is undergoing profound and complex changes, and the impact of China-Canada relations transcends the bilateral scope, Wang noted.

Wang said that China and Canada have different social systems, stemming from different historical and cultural heritage, and based on the choices of their respective people.

He urged both sides to view each other in a rational and amicable manner with an inclusive mindset, handle issues on the basis of mutual respect, focus on the agenda of cooperation, and send positive messages so as to foster optimism, inject greater confidence into the development of bilateral relations, and jointly build a new type of strategic partnership between China and Canada.

Anand said the new Canadian government attaches great importance to relations with China. She also added that Prime Minister Carney looks forward to engaging in in-depth exchanges with Chinese leaders during the visit to set the course for the development of bilateral relations, resume dialogue in various fields, pursue more mutually beneficial outcomes, enhance coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs, and further advance the strategic partnership between the two countries.

China ready to work for steady, sound ties with Canada: FM