Yasukuni Shrine, 15 August

Anniversary of the End of the Pacific War

By Tanja Houwerzijl

Each 15 August, one of the more emotional and politically sensitive days for Japan, many people come to Yasukuni Shrine to remember the end of the Pacific War. During Japan's wars of the 1930's and 1940's, Yasukuni shrine, which honours the souls of those who died in war, served as a spiritual place of Japan's militarism. Today, 2.46 million Japanese soldiers who fought for their homeland are enshrined here but at the same time, it also enshrines World War II Class-A war criminals. For this reason, China and South Korea are opposed to visits to the shrine by key government figures and it's the reason why Yasukuni shrine is so politically sensitive. Apart from large amounts of "ordinary" Japanese visitors who pay their respect to fallen soldiers on the 15th of August, there is a big crowd of right-wing enthusiasts and some militaria aficionados present that day, they all visit for different reasons. Many Yakuza groups show up, they're often linked to Right-wing activists in Japan and today, they all make an effort to look like 'Don Corleone' or 'El Chapo' while hanging out with their friends. Some men are dressed in World War II outfits as if this day gives them an opportunity to enjoy cosplay and dust off their old uniforms. Apart from the negative political connotation Yasukuni has nowadays, this day attracts a huge amount of tourists and curious Japanese alike.