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Letter to the Editor
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SIR - I would like to express my deep indignation at remarks recently made by Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on his plan to visit the notorious Yasukuni Shrine.
This flagrant move is quite surprising and perplexing. As we know, the Yasukuni Shrine honours Japanese killed in wars since the mid-19th century, including executed war criminals. While claiming to value international coordination and develop friendly relations with Asian countries, Koizumi plans to pay homage to Yasukuni Shrine in the capacity of Prime Minister despite a barrage of criticism.
Whether to visit the Shrine, in essence, concerns how the Japanese Government looks at and handles its history of aggression. As a senior politician, Koizumi cannot be unaware of the suffering of the people of Asian countries at the hands of Japan's militarism. So why does he cling obstinately to his own course?
Paying homage to the Yasukuni Shrine represents an adverse current in Japanese society. If the Japanese Government deliberately panders to and guides the rightists and turns them into the dominant force of society, it is bound to arouse the vigilance not only of Asian countries, but also of the whole world.
Such a move would further strain Japan's links with its neighbours and lead to its isolation in Asia. Japanese leaders should act prudently, stop any attempt to resurrect the evil of militarists, and curb the growing rightist tendency in Japan.
Min Xiao, Nanjing
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