The upcoming August 15th anniversary of Japan’s surrender, as well as National Foundation Day in February, are dates when one expects to see large gatherings of nationalists at Yasukuni Shrine. Despite its infamous nature, however, at other times of the year, Yasukuni is generally very welcoming, with little in the way of noticeable controversy except for its rather revisionist museum.
So what the relevance of yesterday was I don’t know, but a sizeable group of right-wing extremists were there for a ceremony of some sort or another. To be absolutely fair, they were quiet, respectful in regards other visitors, and they also paid their respects in an equally thoughtful manner. But of course kitted out in their uniforms, and as a decent-sized group, they made for a striking sight. Plus perhaps more significantly — considering the hawkish nature of the current Prime Minister — they provoked thoughts of Japan’s past, present, and possibly more importantly, its future.
John says
Are you sure they weren’t just looking for Pokemon?
Lee says
Possibly, but I suspect their obsession with right-wing extremism may even trump Pokemon.
Dan says
Perhaps Hiroshima anniversary
Lee says
Good call. That was my thought afterwards too. But that was the 6th. Seemed slightly odd making such an effort a day after the anniversary.
That said, it’s got to be a distinct possibility.
john says
I was not previously aware that the shrine is to venerate all of the combatants since 1853, which covers a lot of ground!
I guess that due to its original designation in the 1800s it does not cover the non combatants?
I am reminded of the manga ‘Onward to our Noble Deaths’.
The poor guy to the right might feel that he is under-dressed for the occasion.
Lee says
It does, doesn’t it? Nearly 2.5 million people. And apart from a small number of those enshrined, paying respects there would be no different from similar memorials in other countries. Which is just how it should be. But there are prosecuted war criminals there too, so…
As far as I know it’s for those who died in the service of Japan, so my guess is that would include non-combatants.
Squidpuppy says
They changed up their uniform colors? Seems like the preferred look in past years was black or olive drab. Maybe a different gumi than in earlier photos? They look like janitors LOL
Lee says
Different groups seem to wear different uniforms. Definitely not the faction that I’ve photographed on Foundation Day. Started to recognise a good few of them.
‘Janitor’ blue does seem to be a popular choice though. Seen lots of groups favouring it.
Hans ter Horst says
Well, they got their man Abe a comfortable majority in the recent elections, so I guess they are thanking the kami for that now that the constitution will be turned back for the glory of the empire. If only the emperor were to play along, abdication is not part of the right-wing playbook as became apparent yesterday 🙂
As it is August and the month of the atomic bombs anniversaries, you would expect loads of protesters outside of Yasukuni to remind people of the devastation Yasukuni, as the centre of State Shinto, and the nationalists have caused Japan during WWII; but I guess they were few…. 🙁
Lee says
Yes, and with no real opposition to speak of, he’s not going anywhere soon either…
The Emperor’s wishes to step down are certainly interesting, aren’t they? Sadly even if he does get to abdicate, I doubt we’ll get to hear his views on constitutional change etc. Get the distinct impression though that he’s not at all pleased with the direction Abe want to take the country in.
August 15th is the big day for protesters. There’s always a large march that goes past the entrance to Yasukuni. And that’s where the extreme right wait. Mostly to bombard them with insults, but possibly also some punches.
cdilla says
It has the feel of a prison yard to me.
The nationalism seems to have more than one side, with the upholding of traditions and respect for those deceased being one facet and the extreme right political side being another. I don’t think the MacArthur consitution is bad, or that it was wrong to impose it at the time, but now, many years later, in a different age, I have sympathy for the desire to throw it off and replace it with a home grown one. One would hope it didn’t reinstate any “right to beligerancy” though.
I’m glad you linked to your other photos. The one with the guys facing you in the snow is one of my favourites.
Lee says
Cheers. That’s one of my all time faves too. Got so lucky with the weather that day.
Yes, it’s such a tricky one. Such a shame that the place for people to pay their respects is so shrouded in controversy.
The constitution is such a tricky one. I can certainly understand the desire for change, my main concern is the way in which the Abe regime wants to take it, and where that could take the country. We already have the secrecy bill which is working in itself, and changing the pacifist stance of the country could have much wider repercussions. Time will tell I guess, although it may not happen as there really doesn’t seem to be much appetite for it from the people themselves.