Seoul: North Korea on Monday criticized Japanese politicians for their visits to the Yasukuni Shrine and their ritual offerings, describing these actions as a "neo-militarist frenzy."
According to Yonhap News Agency, the criticism was published in a commentary by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), which accused the politicians of having militaristic intentions by honoring the shrine on August 15, the day marking Japan's surrender in World War II. The Yasukuni Shrine is known for commemorating approximately 2.46 million Japanese war dead, including 14 individuals classified as Class A war criminals by international tribunals for their roles in the war.
This year's visit was deemed particularly significant by KCNA, as it coincided with what North Korea identified as Japan's "dangerous military moves" that differ from those of previous governments. The commentary highlighted Japan's operational deployment of preemptive-strike weapons, changes to its defense industry laws, and efforts to amend nuclear-related legislation as evidence of this shift.
The KCNA also criticized Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's "surprise remote worship," suggesting it was part of her strategy to intensify the sentiment for reinvasion across the nation and achieve her "long-cherished desire for overseas expansion."
The commentary concluded with a warning that Japan's actions, described as a "neo-militarist frenzy," could lead to severe consequences for the country. This statement represents Pyongyang's latest condemnation of Tokyo amid a recent increase in North Korea's criticism of Japan's military activities and perceived attempts to revive its militaristic past.