Japan Marks 80th WWII Anniversary Amid Shrine Controversy

    Japan Marks 80th WWII Anniversary Amid Shrine Controversy
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    Above: People pay respects to the country's war dead at the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo on Aug. 15, 2025. Image copyright: David Mareuil/Anadolu/Getty Images

    The Spin

    Pro-government narrative

    Ishiba's use of "remorse" after a decade shows a genuine commitment to acknowledging Japan's wartime history. His pledge to pass war memories to younger generations demonstrates responsible leadership in ensuring historical lessons aren't forgotten.

    The TimesKorea JoongAng Daily

    Government-critical narrative

    Cabinet ministers visiting Yasukuni severely undermines any diplomatic progress from Ishiba's words of remorse. The shrine openly glorifies convicted war criminals and represents Japan's continued failure to honestly confront its aggressive wartime past, further damaging already fragile regional trust.

    Yonhap News AgencyThe Straits Times

    Metaculus Prediction

    The Controversies

    UNLIKELYLIKELY
    Status:Open
    Will Japan's Population Go Extinct?
    Controversy
    UNLIKELYLIKELY
    Status:Open
    Will There Be World War III?
    Controversy

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    © 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.14.0

    © 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

    All rights reserved.

    Version 6.14.0