Yasukuni Shrine Vandalized Again

Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, a controversial site honoring Japan's war dead, including convicted World War II war criminals, was vandalized overnight on Monday. The shrine condemned the act, stating it was "deplorable" and aimed at undermining its dignity. This incident follows a previous act of vandalism in May, where a stone pillar was spray-painted red, leading to the arrest of a Chinese suspect in July. Details regarding the latest incident remain sparse as investigations are ongoing, but reports indicate that graffiti reading "toilet" in Chinese was found on a stone pillar. The Yasukuni Shrine is viewed by many Asian nations, which suffered under Japanese militarism during World War II, as a symbol of that aggression. Among the 2.5 million war dead enshrined there are Class A war criminals, including Hideki Tojo, Japan's wartime prime minister. The shrine's architecture and memorials, including those dedicated to kamikaze pilots, contribute to its contentious status in regional politics. Each year on August 15, the anniversary of Japan's surrender, the shrine attracts significant attention as politicians visit to pay their respects. This year, Defense Minister Minoru Kihara was among those who prayed at Yasukuni, while Prime Minister Fumio Kishida opted to send an offering instead of attending. Notably, Emperor Naruhito and his late father, Akihito, have refrained from visiting the shrine. The legal repercussions for vandalism at the shrine can include a maximum of three years in prison and a fine of 300,000 yen (approximately $2,000).