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Visit to Yasukuni Shrine and Other Activities (Annual Spring Rites)
Mainichi Shimbun, Odanaka: I would like to ask about Prime Minister Kishida’s making a ritual masakaki tree offering for Yasukuni Shrine. Prime Minister Kishida made a ritual masakaki tree offering for Yasukuni Shrine related to Annual Spring Rites. In response, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have issued statements protesting and expressing regret over the prime minister’s actions. Please tell us Japan’s reaction to this and what, if any, diplomatic response has been taken.
Press Secretary Kobayashi: On Prime Minister Kishida’s making a ritual masakaki tree offering, I understand that he acted as a private individual.
As we have repeatedly stated, we believe it is only natural to pay respects to those who gave their lives for their country, no matter what country they are from, whether Japan or another country.
There is no change to Japan’s policy to continue to strengthen its relations with other countries, including China and the ROK, its neighbors.
As to your question about our diplomatic response, China made a representation through diplomatic channels on April 21 in Tokyo and Beijing, and we explained Japan’s position on the matter.
Thereafter, we are aware that the ROK issued a statement in the name of the spokesperson.
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Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Japan
Speaker: Kobayashi Maki, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Format: Press Conference
China Policy Research 