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This caused strong reactions by not only China's leaders but also objectors in Japan. Near the end of the war, it is said that many soldiers hailed "Banzai for the Emperor!" but no one said "Banzai for the prime minister!" They must be delighted if His Majesty himself visits the shrine rather than the prime minister. The so-called the "Yasukuni Issue" has caused many controversies in political and diplomatic matters for the past five years. "A visit by His Majesty would be the best," as the Foreign Minister pointed out, in short,
THE EMPEROR'S VISIT
is the only way to fundamentally solve this problem. So this essay takes up the subject of the "Emperor's visit" as the ultimate measure for the "Yasukuni Issue."
The Emperor's visit — if anybody says this, it is always attacked by objectors saying, "You are taking advantage of the Emperor for a political movement!" or "It violates the separation of government and religion that is the principle of the constitution!" These objections are, however, both incorrect.
By whom and when was it legislated "The Emperor is unable to visit the Yasukuni Shrine?" We must make the fact clear that "the Emperor is not prohibited to visit" although His Majesty does not visit nowadays due to various matters. There is no legal restriction to obstruct the Emperor from visiting the Yasukuni. With regard to the "separation of government and religion" the Constitution of Japan cannot be the basis of prohibiting the Emperor's visit because of the constitutional definition of the Emperor.
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There is no description to prohibit the Emperor visiting the Yasukuni Shrine at all. But these objectors would still persist to resist on the authority of "freedom of religion" in the constitution.
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However, the statuses of the Emperor and members of the Imperial Family are not "Japanese nationals." Under the constitution, all Japanese nationals are guaranteed to have the following rights, for example:
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How about the case of the Emperor? Is the Emperor allowed to move out from the Palace, even to reside overseas? Is he allowed to vote on any kind of elections? Is the Emperor himself able to stand as a candidate to be a politician?
The Emperor and the Imperial Family don't even have copies of their family register which all nationals must have. (There is the Kôtôfu (皇統譜) which indicates the genealogical chart instead) For example, the address of the Imperial Palace is: 1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo Metropolitan. If the Emperor himself attends the Chiyoda Ward Office to apply for his resident ID and his family register, it will not be accepted. If the Emperor attempts to stand as a candidate for a member of the House of Representatives, he is unable to do because he does not have the franchise nor an eligibility for election.
As long as the Article 4 of the Constitution says, "The Emperor shall perform only such acts in matters of state as are provided for in this Constitution and he shall not have powers related to government," he is unable to do any political activities. Since the Emperor and the Imperial Family are not "Japanese nationals," there is no reason to limit them under the Article 20, "Freedom of religion" which right is of Japanese nationals.
Let's take a break from legal issues a little while. Now we are going to ascertain "what the Emperor is." The Article 1 of the Constitution of Japan, "The Emperor shall be the symbol of the State and of the unity of the People, deriving his position from the will of the people with whom resides sovereign power," only shows the legal side but does not indicate the historically essential meaning of the "Emperor of Japan."
The intrinsicalness of the "Emperor" is the highest Shintô[2] priest,
namely, the "Shintô Pope"
In fact, the Emperor performs all kinds of ritual ceremonies in the Imperial Court such as Shihō-hai (四方拜; January 1), the most important ceremony Niiname-sai (新嘗祭; November 23) and Ō-harai (大祓; December 31). He also visits the Ise Shrine (伊勢神宮)[3] that worships the ancestral Emperors. If there is a discrimination of shrines that the Emperor can visit (Ise) and that he is prohibited to visit (Yasukuni) as the "highest Shintō priest," it is quite inconsistent and rather a big problem.
Let's go back to talk about legal issues. The Article 7 No. 10 of the Constitution of Japan clearly states:
Performance of ceremonial functions
There is no specific description in the constitution what the "ceremonial functions" means and no names of any particular ceremonies. Nevertheless, visiting Yasukuni Shrine to pray for the repose of 2.47 million war dead is certainly a part of the "ceremonial functions" and a part of "acts in matter of state" that is guaranteed in the constitution by considering the following views:
1) The Emperor is the "highest Shintō priest."
2) Visiting shrines and all the kinds of ritual ceremonies are parts of "ceremonial functions."
Lastly, I'd like to add some more comments why the "Emperor's visit" is the ultimate measure to fundamentally solve the "Yasukuni Issue." Prime Minister Koizumi's visits to Yasukuni became a "problem," China and Korea claimed to stop and has been developed into a political and diplomatic matter. China's leaders, not only General Secretary Hu Jintao (胡錦濤) but also Prime Minister Wen Jinbao (温家寶) and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing (李肇星), have been refusing to have meetings with Koizumi. Although we still don't know who will become the next prime minister, China is demanding "stop visiting Yasukuni" to the unknown next prime minister that if their demand is not granted, they will still refuse top meetings. This is quite deviant.
Economic circles and pro-China people in Japan are giving objections against prime minister's further visits for better relations with China and Korea. However, not only the Foreign Minister Asō but also all nationals of Japan should realize that we have the strongest and ultimate card.
By many countries, the Emperor is regarded as the "Sovereign of Japan" and the prime minister is one class lower. It tells that no one in Japan is regarded higher than the Emperor in terms of international recognition of diplomatic courtesy. Accordingly, when His Majesty visits Yasukuni, the prime minister's "Yasukuni Issue" will be completely solved. China and South Korea are able to play the "Yasukuni card" because it is for the prime minister. If they criticize the Emperor and demand to stop visiting, it will be the last resort and no more card to play. The only choice will be terminating diplomatic relations or to have war. If they understand how serious to blame a country's "Sovereign" and blaming the Emperor (the supremacy of the hereditary imperial house) is more critical, they cannot take any sort of opposing action if they are wise enough.
Some intelligent people are apprehensive whether Emperor's visit may reheat the controversy on Emperor Shōwa's (昭和天皇; the 124th Emperor; known as Emperor Hirohito) war responsibility issue because of so-called "class-A war criminals" enshrined in the Yasukuni Shrine. If China takes up the issue, we can just oppose by using cards of "China's war responsibility" for the China Incident (支那事變; English: Second Sino-Japanese War; 1937-45)[4] and China's "invasions" on such as Tibet and Uyghur.
On November 21, 1975, the Emperor Shōwa and the Empress Kōjun (香淳皇后; known as Empress Nagako) visited Yasukuni. Since that time, the "Emperor's visit" has not been realized for more than 30 years. It will be the restoration of the tradition when His Majesty, Emperor Akihito visits Yasukuni. And it will obstruct to make prime minister's and Cabinet ministers' visits into political and diplomatic issues. In order to restrain not only China and South Korea but also Japanese "malcontented instigators" who strive for anti-Japanese movements in Japan, it is indispensable to restore the "Emperor's visiting."
Additional Remarks
There has been a controversy whether the Emperor or prime minister's visits to the Yasukuni Shrine is politically and religiously inappropriate. Shintō is just a religion and a Shintō shrine is a religious branch that is the same existence as a church in Christianity or a mosque in Islam. Although there have been many foreign VIP's and military officials visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, no one, including China and South Korea, have made it as a problem, demanded to cancel or protested against these visitors. It is a mystery and there is no consistency. It is the indicator to understand the real substance of this issue that the "Yasukuni Issue" is a tool of China and South Korea to unsettle Japan regardless what it is. If we are aware of the substance of this matter, it is easy to void their "diplomatic card." Politicians and authorities of diplomacy should comprehend this matter.
Appendix:
Foreign VIP's and military officials visiting the Yasukuni Shrine
(Top-level guests are indicated in red)Some names could be spelled incorrectly since this list is originally written in Japanese.[*2]
Year Date Country Name(s)/Title(s) 1945 Jan. Manchukuo
(滿州國)Wang Chung-hsiang (王充郷), the Manchu ambassador to Japan 1946 Mar. 22 United States Robert G. Guard, an official of the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers 1954 Mar. 22 United Nations Colonel James Torrent, chief of the general staff 1956 Apr. 19 Republic of China (Taiwan) Chang Tao-Fan (張道藩), the President of Legislature of the Republic of China, and his party. May 17 Burma U Theirra, the highest priest and the supreme adviser of Burma 1958 Feb. 4 Panama Ricardo Martiniera, the Panama's ambassador to Japan 1959 Apr. 5 Turkey Ethem Menderes, the Ministry of Defense (deputy prime minister) of Turkey 1960 Mar. 23 Burma U Nu (known as Thakin Nu), the ex-Prime Minister of Burma 1961 Dec. 15 Argentine President Arturo Frondizi Ercoli, the first active Head of State who visited Yasukuni Jinja in postwar Japanese history, and his wife 1963 Feb. 11 France Captain Strelley, the commander of the French Navy's training squadron, and crew cadets Jun. 4 Thailand King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit Rajini Jun. 25 United States Cadets at the US Air Force Academy 1964 Sep. 20 Burma Taisen, the Minister of Labour of Burma Oct. 7 Italy Giulio Andreotti, the Ministry of Defense, and 90 cadets at the Italian Armed Forces Academy Oct. 17 Pakistan General Mohammad Musa, the supreme commandant of the Pakistan Army 1965 Mar. 26 West Germany 50 naval cadets of the Navy's training ship "Deutcheland" Jul. 10 Argentina Commander Oscarmahe, the captain of the Navy's training ship "Libertad," and Argentine naval cadets Sep. 28 South Vietnam Quyen Doi Quang , the Vietnam's ambassador to Japan 1966 Jan. 31 France Crew and cadets of the French escort vessel "Victor Cherche" and the French helicopter carrier vessel "Jeanne d'Arc" Feb. 17 Peru Captain Enrique Velia, the captain of the Peruvian Navy's training squadron, and his party / Mr. Jose Carlos Feileidos, the Peruvian ambassador to Japan May 30 Chile Moranbio, the Chilean ambassador to Japan
Commander Roberto Kelly, the captain of the Chilean Navy's training ship "Esmeralda" and his partyOct. 29 United States James Martin, the political adviser of the Government of the Okinawa Civilians, and his wife 1968 Jun. 25 Brazil Captain Shamonte, the captain of the Brazilian Navy's training ship "Custodio de Mello," 120 crew and cadets Sep. 6 Brazil Catholic Priest Don Jaine Dec. 2 West Germany General Wilich Maizieres, the general of the West German Army 1969 Apr. 9 United States Rear Admiral Upper Half Daniel T. Smith, the commandant of the U.S. Navy stationed in Japan, and 25 military officials Jun. 6 Father Tony Glynn, the Father of the Catholic Nara Church (He is from Australia.) 1970 Jan. 12 West Germany Lieutenant General Johannes Steinhoch, the general of the West German Air Force Feb. 3 France Commander Pierre Tove, the captain of the French Navy's training ship "Vector Cherche," and his party May 12 Australia Mrs. Merriea Ashberner who was from Australia (She was friendly to the Japanese Imperial Navy soldiers, called "Kaigun Obasan.") Jul. 2 Argentina Captain Emilio Eliward Massera, the captain of the Argentine Navy's training ship "Libertad," and his party 1971 Mar. 26 Papua New Guinea Micheal Thomas Somare, a congressman of New Guinea, and Headman Honeyowl Hettras Sanghon (Micheal Thomas Somare is the Prime Ministor of Papua New Guinea in 1975-1980, 1982-1985, and 2002-2005 current) Jul. 8 West Germany Vice Admiral Gerd Jesionech, the general of the West German Navy 1972 Mar. 15 Israel Brigadier General Gilboa, the deputy director of the Israeli intelligence agency Mar. 21 Spain Commander Richard Laurel, the captain of the Spanish Navy's training ship "Juan Sebastian Elcano", and 50 his followers Apr. 1 Chile Captain Silva, the captain of the Chilean Navy's training ship "Emeralda", cadets, and the Chilean ambassador to Japan Oct. 19 Italy Brigadier General R. Dorandi of the Italian Air Force West Germany Major Kues Bortze of the West German Army Brazil Captain J. B. Falia of the Brazilian Navy Argentina Captain T. N. Oliva of the Argentina Navy 1973 Jan. 28 West Germany Lieutenant General Ernest Felver, the general of the West German Army Feb. 14 South Vietnam His Highness Bao Dai, the Head of State of South Vietnam (He was the last Emperor of Vietnam.) Mar. 3 Peru Captain Alejandro Pelles Luis, belonging to the Peruvian training squadron, and 60 his followers Jun. 4 Soviet Union Victor V. Maevskij, an editorialist of the Soviet Union's newspaper "Pravda" Nov. 7 Tonga King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV and Queen Halaevalu Mata'aho of Tonga 1974 Feb. 19 France Captain Belier, the captain of the French Navy's helicopter carrier vessel "Jeanne d'Arc", and Captain Edward, the captain of the French Navy's destroyer "Forban", and their party Apr. 8 United States Colonel Richard Nelson Standard, a military official at the U.S. embassy in Japan, and his party Oct. 28 India Colonel G. S. Delon of the Indian Army, and his party 1975 Nov. 8 Burma U Bo Reesa, the Minister of Farm of Burma (current Myanmar) 1977 Mar. 7 France Captain Stephanos Beaussant, the captain of the French Navy's helicopter carrier vessel "Jeanne d'Arc", and Captain Jean Noel Pouliquen, the captain of the French Navy's destroyer "Forban", and Captain Andre Lemaire, a military official of the French embassy in Japan Mar. 26 United Kingdom Dr. W. H. Allchin, a psychiatrist in Great Britain, belonging to the River Kwai Reunion (In World War II, he was forced to work for the construction of the Thailand-Burma railroad which is well known for the movie "The Bridge on the River Kwai") Sep. 4 Thailand General Khleang Sak, the vice commandant of the Thai Army, and his party Sep. 19 West Germany Karl Heinrich Tallus, a new military official, and Mr. Peter Huschmidt, a resigned military official at the West German embassy in Japan Nov. 22 Argentina Jesus C. Capellini at the Argentine Air Force Academy and his party 1979 Oct. 28 India Sisir Kumar Bose, the director of the Chandra Bose Research Institute at Calcutta in India, and his wife 1980 Nov. 1 Tibet His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV, the Head of State of Tibet and the most influential spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhism 1981 Jan. 26 United States Colonel Dowayne C. Oberg, the commandant of the U.S. Yokota Air Base, and his wife Apr. 29 United States Richard T. Osner, the superintendent of American schools in Japan May 12 Austria Professor Fritz Finger Reider, a professor of religion(Buddhism) at the University of Vienna, his wife and his students Jun. 2 Jun. 22 Indonesia Alamshah R. Prawinegara, the Ministor of Religion of Indonesia 1982 Nov. 25 Egypt Dr. Mohamed Toufik Oaida, the ex-Secretary General of the World Islam Council (He signed the register book that "I pray to Allah for peace of soldiers who sacrificed their lifes for their country Japan, and for more progress of Japan.") 1983 Aug. 4 United States Gary Cummins, the Superintendent of the USS Arizona Memorial which is built over the remains of the battleship USS Arizona sunken in Pearl Harbor Nov. 9 India Dr. Angushman Ravi and Dr. Sinja Awangmadu Kreji, professors of history at the University of Magadh in India Dec. 13 India Colonel Shahzada Brandin Khan of the Indian National Army, which was under the command of Subhas Chandra Bose who was a prominent leader of the Indian independence movemen 1985 Jun. 10 Egypt Mohammed Sammy Thabet, the Egyptian ambassador to Japan, and Mr. Anees Nematallah, the Egyptian minister Jul. 23 United States Colonel Wal File, the commandant of the U.S. Yokota Air Base Oct. 18 West Germany Colonel Maul, a military official at the German embassy in Japan 1986 Jun. 6 United States Colonel Edward Fry, the vice commandant of the U.S. Yokota Air Base 1987 Oct. 19 West Germany Captain Krug, a ex-military offical at the German embassy in Japan, and his wife 1988 Aug. 13 Pakistan Brigadier General Brikadhi Muhammad Neve Tena, the military official of the Pakistani embassy in Japan Oct.27 United States Captain Steven H. Howell, the commandant of the U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka 1989 Jun. 20 Nov. 14 West Germany Colonel Eberwald Meschel, a instructor at the German Command and General Staff College in Hamburg, Germany 1990 Oct. 27 United Germany Dr. Lutz Ludenmann, the master of the Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra 1991 Oct. 30 Chile Rene Abeliuk, the Miniter of International Trade and Industry of Chile 1992 Mar. 1 Sri Lanka C. Mahendran, the Sri Lankan ambassador to Japan Jul. 10 Finland Kari Beirholm, the Finnish ambassador extraordinary 1993 Sep. 21 Lithuania Lithuanian Prime Minister Adolfas Slezevicius Nov. 7 Thailand General Samart Sosathit, the assistant commandant of the Thai Air Force 1994 Jun. 15 United Kingdom Captain M. Smith, a military official at the British embassy in Japan May 30 Tibet Teijin Teton, the ex-Prime Minister of Tibet Aug. 2 Myanmar (Burma) U Ae, the Minister of Culture of Myanmar Aug. 14 Parau Inabo Inabo, a government advisor of Parau Nov. 1 Germany Colonel Rebert Welner, a military official at the German embassy in Japan, and his wife 1996 Jun. 15 United Kingdom Colonel Robertson and Colonel Edwards, military officials at the British embassy in Japan Jun. 17 (United States) 53 military personnel of the Imperial Japanese Army and the U.S. Army which fought in the Battle of Peleliu in Palau Aug.13 Iran M. Shakeli, the first secretary of Iran Germany Colonel Rebert Welner, a military official at the German embassy in Japan Aug. 20 Slovenia Danilo Turk, the Slovenia's U.N. ambassador Oct. 18 Turkey Captain Nedim Anbar, a military official at the Turkish embassy in Japan Nov. 1 Korea Prince Lee Gu (李玖), the son of Prince Lee Eun (李垠) who was the last prince imperial of the Korean Empire 1997 Apr. 5 Turkey Captain Nedim Anbar, a military official at the Turkish embassy in Japan Romania Colonel Dan, a military official at the Romanian embassy in Japan India Colonel Katchi, a military official at the Indian embassy in Japan Malaysia Captain Hamid, a military official at the Malaysian embassy in Japan Israel Brigadier General Dolfin, a military official at the Israeli embassy in Japan Russia Prokopenko, a administrative official, and Major General Evstrakhov, a military official at the Russian embassy in Japan Thailand Sierakhamkrhai, a military official at the Thai embassy in Japan Apr. 13 Thailand Vice Admiral Phoun Sak of the Thai Navy Apr. 22 Romania Colonel Dan of the Romanian Air Force Switzerland Colonel Dolger of the Swiss Army Thailand Colonel Ponpun of the Thai Army Nov. 25 India Prosant K. Pal, a son of Justice Radha Binod Pal who provided a dissenting judgement in the Tokyo Tribunal of War Criminals 1998 Apr. 4 Romania Colonel Larlejouane, a military official at the Romanian embassy in Japan Israel Brigadier General Dolfin, a military official at the Israeli embassy in Japan India Captain Vodgaon Khal, a military official at the Indian embassy in Japan Brazil Captain Kiesel, a military official at the Brazilian embassy in Japan Poland Colonel Starszko, a military official at the Polish embassy in Japan Russia Major General Evstrakhov, a military official at the Russian embassy in Japan
Captain Bogatenkov, a military official at the Russian embassy in JapanSwitzerland Colonel Maier, a military official at the Swiss embassy in Japan Turkey Captain Anbar, a military official at the embassy in Japan Apr. 22 Israel Brigadier General Dolfin, a military official at the Israeli embassy in Japan (In spring festival of Yasukuni Jinja) Brazil Captain Kiesel, a military official at the Brazilian embassy in Japan Turkey Captain Anbar, a military official at the embassy in Japan Poland Colonel Starszko, a military official at the Polish embassy in Japan Jun. 27 United States Captain Michael Roland Oliver belonging to the U.S. 7th Fleet Aug. United States US Air Force in Japan visited the Yushukan Oct. 18 Turkey Captain Semmy Yesibursa of the Turkish Navy Poland Colonel Starszko, a military official at the Polish embassy in Japan 1999 Jan. 17 Brazil Students and teachers at Shohaku School (松柏學園) which is a Japanese school in Sao Paulo City, Brazil Mar. 19 Canada Students and teachers at Saint Michael's University School in Victoria City, Canada Apr. 3 India Captain Weherey, a military official at the Indian embassy in Japan Romania Colonel Iran Larlejouane, a mikitary official at the Romanian embassy in Japan Russia Captain Bogatenkov, a military official at the Russian embassy in Japan Thailand Colonel Maitrii, a military official at the Thai embassy in Japan
Colonel Sriyan, a military official at the Thai embassy in JapanTurkey Captain Yesibursa, a military official at the Turkish embassy in Japan Iran Rear Admiral Upper Half Safari, a military official at Iranian embassy in Japan Brazil Captain Feherei, a military official at the Brazilian embassy in Japan Malaysia Captain Hamid, a military official at the Malaysian embassy in Japan Sep. 13 Tibet Rikuh Buddha Datu, a Tibetan Buddhist Oct. 19 Poland Colonel Wladisvk Starszko, a military official at the Polish embassy in Japan Turkey Captain Yesibursa, a military official at the Turkish embassy in Japan 2000 Jan. 12 United States Students at Colgate University Apr. 5 Taiwan ex-volunteer soldiers of Taiwanese aborigines Kaosha (高砂族) and their bereaved families Apr. 8 Turkey Captain Semmy Yesibursa, a military official at the Turkish embassy in Japan Romania Colonel Iran Larlejouane, a mikitary official at the Romanian embassy in Japan Israel Colonel Zhive, a military official at the Israeli embassy in Japan Switzerland Colonel Maier, a military official at the Swiss embassy in Japan Myanmar Colonel Khin Mon Win, a military official at the Myanmar's embassy in Japan Italy Captin Ofano Luciano, a military official at the Italian embassy in Japan Poland Colonel Kimek Thomas, a military official at the Polish embassy in Japan Russia Captain Bogatenkov, a military official at the Russian embassy in Japan India Captain Vodgaon Khal, a military official at the Indian embassy in Japan
Captain Biswan of the Indian Air ForceMexico Rear Admiral Upper Half Sergio Lala Montellano, a military official at the Mexican embassy in Japan Apr. 17 Taiwan ex-volunteer soldiers of Taiwanese aborigines Kaosha and their bereaved families Apr. 26 India Vice Admiral John Collins DeSilva, the Secretary of the Indian Coast Guard Oct. 18 Italy Captain Otario Rutighano, a military official at the Italian embassy in Japan Turkey Kutui Zing, a military official at the Turkish embassy in Japan 2001 Mar. 22 Canada Students and teachers at Saint Michael's University Middle School in Victoria City Apr. 7 Switzerland Colonel Hans R. Maier, a military official at the Swiss embassy in Japan India Captain Vodgaon Khal, a military official at the Indian embassy in Japan Israel Colonel Zhive, a military official at the Israeli embassy in Japan Myanmar Colonel Khin Mon Win, a military official at the Myanmar's embassy in Japan Poland Colonel Starszko, a military official at the Polish embassy in Japan Romania Colonel Larlejouane, a mikitary official at the Romanian embassy in Japan Turkey Captain Semmy Yesibursa, a military official at the Turkish embassy in Japan Germany Captain Reimond Walner, a military official at the German embassy in Japan Brazil Captain Claudio Rogerio De Andra Flor, a military official of the Brazilian embassy in Japan Apr. 7 Taiwan Members of Taiwan Kouza-Kai (高座會; young labours during the World War II and their families) Apr. 22 Brazil Captain Claudio Rogerio De Andra Flor, a military official of the Brazilian embassy in Japan Turkey Colonel Kutai Gench, the military official of the Turkish embassy in Japan Apr. 26 United States Major General Wallace Gregson, the commandant of the third division of the U.S. Marines Jun. 27 India Kalyan Baba, who is a Hindu Oct. 18 Turkey Colonel Kutai Gench, the military official of the Turkish embassy in Japan Oct. 30 Azerbaijan Ali Masihov, the ex-Prime Minister of Azerbaijan and the Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Popular Front Party 2002 Mar. South Korea Captain Yu (柳) and Colonel Seo (除), the military official of the South Korean embassy in Japan Apr. 10 Peru Albert Fujimori, the ex-President of Peru May 31 United States Major Ronny Date, belonging to the Officer's Party of the U.S. Air Force stationed to Japan, and his party Aug. United States Kathleen J. Billings, former Superintendent of the USS Arizona Memorial 2003 Apr. Switzerland Colonel Hans R. Meyer, the military official of the Swiss embassy in Japan 2005 Apr. 4 Taiwan Taiwan Solidarity Union (台灣團結連盟), the chief Su Chin-chiang (蘇進強) and members
References for English translation
*1. Japan FM backs down over shrine. BBC News (Tokyo: January 31, 2006).
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4664534.stm*2. "Yasukuni Jinja has been visited by many important dignitaries and military officials". World Wars Episode2.7.
http://maa999999.hp.infoseek.co.jp/ruri/world_wars_isode2_02_01.html
Related information (Links)
- Banzai (萬歳; Ten thousand years). Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_thousand_years- Shintō (神道). Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinto- Ise Shrine (伊勢神宮). Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ise_Shrine- China Incident (支那事變, Japano-Chinese Incident 日華事變 or Japano-Chinese War 日中戰爭; English: The Second Sino-Japanese War; Chinese: War of Resistance Against Japan 抗日戰爭; 1937-45). Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Sino-Japanese_war
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TOKYO (Kyodo) — Foreign Minister ASŌ Tarō (picture) said Saturday it is desirable for the emperor to visit Yasukuni Shrine and told China to stop complaining about Prime Minister KOIZUMI Junichirō's visits to the Shintō[