Japanese Comedian Sparks Controversy Over Yasukuni Shrine Remarks; Prof. Seo Kyo-duk Demands Public Apology

As a mid-level Japanese comedian sparked controversy with remarks regarding visits to the Yasukuni Shrine during a broadcast, Professor Seo Kyo-duk of Sungshin Women's University has publicly criticized the comments.

According to the Japanese media outlet Nikkan Sports, Ota Hikari appeared on the TBS program "Sunday Japon" on the 16th and said, "Personally, I think it would be ideal if the prime minister could officially visit the shrine."

Previously, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attended the National Memorial Service for War Dead held at the Nippon Budokan in Kudanshita, Tokyo, on the 15th to mark the war's end, but did not visit the Yasukuni Shrine, stopping at the Budokan parking lot to offer a remote prayer facing the shrine. Regarding this, Ota Hikari remarked, "From the prime minister's perspective, there is the consideration that relations with neighboring countries like China and South Korea should not be made delicate at this point. Not going while taking the international situation into account was a political judgment by Prime Minister Takaichi."

Regarding the fact that Class-A war criminals from the Pacific War are enshrined at Yasukuni Shrine, he stated, "Because the Tokyo Trials were trials judged by the victors, I believe there is an asymmetrical treatment between the victor and the defeated nations." He added, "Fundamentally, those designated as Class-A war criminals are not the only perpetrators of war, and personally, I think dropping the atomic bombs was also a war crime. Originally, Japan should be able to mourn its fallen spirits just like the United States."

In response, Professor Seo Kyo-duk said, "A netizen residing in Japan reported this to me. Upon checking, I found it was also being covered by Japanese media and causing controversy." He pointed out, "This is a typical trick-like remark that emphasizes the responsibilities of the victorious nations while attempting to evade responsibility for Japan's war of aggression and colonial rule."

He went on to express concern, saying, "While this may not reflect the views of all Japanese people, such remarks by a famous comedian on a popular TV program can mislead public opinion." He emphasized, "Ota Hikari must issue a public apology for these remarks, and such incidents must never happen again."

 

(Photo courtesy of SBS Entertainment News | Reported by Kang Kyung-youn)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.