North Korea on Monday slammed Japanese politicians for visiting Yasukuni Shrine and sending ritual offerings, calling it a neo-militarist frenzy. The criticism came in a KCNA commentary that accused Japan of harboring militaristic ambitions on Aug. 15, the anniversary of its 1945 surrender. It also cited Japan’s operational deployment of preemptive-strike weapons, revisions to defense industry laws and attempts to revise nuclear-related legislation. The commentary said Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remote worship showed a scheme to heighten a reinvasion mood.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, left, walks past Emperor Naruhito, center, and Empress Masako, right, before delivering a speech during the National Memorial Ceremony for the War Dead in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 15, marking the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II. EPA-Yonhap
North Korea on Monday slammed Japanese politicians for visiting the controversial Yasukuni Shrine and sending ritual offerings, criticizing the move as "neo-militarist frenzy."
The North issued the criticism in a commentary carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), accusing them of harboring militaristic ambitions by paying respects at the shrine on Aug. 15, the anniversary of Japan's 1945 surrender in World War II.
