"Japan's Controversial Shrine: A Legacy of War and Guilt Yasukuni Shrine, a sacred site in Tokyo, has long been a source of tension between Japan and its neighbors, particularly China and South Korea. At its core, the shrine honors the country's war dead, but its list of enshrined individuals includes some of Japan's most notorious war criminals, including those responsible for atrocities committed during World War II. Approximately 2.5 million people are enshrined at Yasukuni, including soldiers, sailors, and airmen who fought for Japan, as well as civilians and leaders who played a role in the country's military campaigns. The shrine's existence has sparked heated debates about Japan's wartime past and its ongoing relationship with Asia, with many in the region viewing its reverence for war criminals as a painful reminder of Japan's imperialist ambitions."
About 2.5 million people, including Japanese war criminals who fought for the country, are enshrined at Yasukuni.
