Response 4

The Yasukini Shrine has been a controversial part of Japan’s recent history. The issue of Prime Ministers visiting this shrine has been debated in the region since 1975 and especially during the term of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

Shinzo Abe’s recent act of leaving a sacred potted plant with a wooden tag reading ‘Prime Minister’ at the shrine has again stirred up controversy on this subject. It can be interpreted as a gesture of respect that his voters demanded or a way of infuriating his neighbours or both. It may seem like a big hullabaloo over a small thing but in truth, this matter goes to the very bottom of Chinese, Japanese and Korean hearts; for this shrine houses and honours the war criminals and militarism of Japan in World War Two. To the Chinese and Koreans, honouring the shrine is tantamount to an insult on their nationals who died from Japanese atrocities in World War Two but to the Japanese it is a mark of respect for their citizens who gave their lives honourably for Japan.

The theme underlying all this controversy is patriotism. These countries were bitter enemies during World War Two and there remain till today many unresolved issues. I can sympathise with the Chinese and Koreans, especially those who lost loved ones in the war. Understandably, they are furious that Japan continues to honour the men who perpetrated these atrocities, as Abe is doing now. However, we must understand that many of today’s Japanese, because of the Reductionist Policy, know little about these atrocities and war crimes that their ancestors committed. Hence, I can understand why they view visiting the shrine as visiting heroes, since this is how these men have been portrayed. Patriotism is not an issue alien to Singapore and Singaporean students. The government has been trying to cultivate patriotism towards our Singaporean identity through National Education and Social Studies in schools. This issue teaches that patriotism and nationalism are not always good and can have negative effects, which is a new concept for me personally.

One lesson we can learn from Abe’s actions is compromise. Shinzo Abe must be under immense political pressure from his supporters to visit the shrine and from China, Korea and the international community to abstain from doing so. He may have felt that his actions were a compromise that could appease both the Japanese people and the foreign powers, although neither side appears to be totally pacified. Personally, I think there is no easy or perfect solution to this problem and sympathise fully with Mr Abe who has to deal with this difficult task.

Political issues are indeed very complicated, with many sides and views to consider and weigh. As a lay person reading this article, one is often swayed by the arguments put forth by the author. However, the article may not have covered all the background issues surrounding this matter, which may allow us to arrive at a better assessment of the problem.