Tokyo’s controversial Yasukuni Shrine

Hello again from Tokyo

Before I get to the main topic, I’d quickly like to mention that now the hottest months of summer are mercifully behind us, I’ll be resuming my Tokyo Photowalk Tours. Bespoke outings that cover the older, lesser seen sides of the capital.

All the details are here should you be interested, and these are a few photos taken on some of those walks.

Also, I don’t plan on making this newsletter a paid subscription. Or release it with various tiers/extras. I do though have a Ko-fi account (here) if you ever feel like supporting these updates, along with my work in general. All and any backing means a lot, as it helps me to continue seeking out, documenting and then sharing aspects of Japan that don’t get much in the way of coverage.

Yasukuni shrine and the ban on military attire

So, with those awkward little plugs out of the way, the focus this month then is Tokyo’s controversial Yasukuni Shrine, which is a relatively topical subject as it has been in the news of late due to its recent ban on military uniforms and costumes. An announcement that came just before the August 15th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. A day when the shrine becomes a focal point for those paying their respects to the nation’s war dead, numerous ultranationalist groups, and a smaller, very eclectic mix of sometimes shabbily attired military enthusiasts.

Class-A war criminals

Most of the controversy surrounding the shrine is because in 1978, 14 Class-A war criminals were enshrined there. A decision that not surprisingly continues to cause friction with Japan’s neighbours, especially as politicians and the country’s leader pay their respects there. The latter at least has not been done in person over recent years, but offerings of a personal nature, or from the Prime Minister’s office, are nonetheless still sent.

It remains to be seen if these new rules are the beginning of more fundamental changes, but considering the revisionist approach of the shrine’s war museum, that seems highly unlikely. Instead, it’s probably just a way to try and limit the sometimes circus-like atmosphere of what should be a solemn, respectful environment.

A bit of context then for the photos, which were all taken on either February 11th, National Foundation Day, or the aforementioned Memorial Day for the End of the War. The most recent being from this year, and the earliest much further back in 2011.

I should perhaps also add that while I have absolutely no time at all for their politics, the ultranationalists photographed have never once given me any trouble. The worst being an occasional dirty look. And considering I often try and get quite close, the complete lack of aggravation is something I do appreciate.

A fascinating mix of fanatics then that wraps up another newsletter.

Please do share these updates if you like them, and speak to you in the next one.

Cheers

Lee