Explainer: Why is Yasukuni Shrine symbol of Japanese militarism?

NAMPA / Xinhua
2026-02-12
BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Yasukuni Shrine has long been a political flashpoint across Asia. For countries like China and South Korea, its very existence is an unhealed historical trauma. Any visit or even ritual offerings by Japanese officials is seen as a provocation, drawing immediate, fierce condemnation. When Shinzo Abe, then prime minister, visited Yasukuni in 2013, the backlash was so widespread that even the United States mad......
Restricted content

Latest NAMPA photos

SWAKOPMUND, 10 February 2026 - Erongo-based journalists from different media entities and stakeholders photographed during the Erongo Media–Stakeholders Engagement Conference aimed at building practical understanding between media practitioners and newsmakers, improve professional relationships and strengthen the flow of accurate, timely and credible information to the public. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

SWAKOPMUND, 10 February 2026 - Erongo-based journalists from different media entities and stakeholders photographed during the Erongo Media–Stakeholders Engagement Conference aimed at building practical understanding between media practitioners and newsmakers, improve professional relationships and strengthen the flow of accurate, timely and credible information to the public. (Photo by: Isabel Bento) NAMPA

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 10 FEBRUARY 2026 - Panduleni Itula, leader of the Independent Patriots for Change, on Tuesday announced that his party rejects the proposed Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill, 2025. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

WINDHOEK, 10 FEBRUARY 2026 - Panduleni Itula, leader of the Independent Patriots for Change, on Tuesday announced that his party rejects the proposed Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill, 2025. (Photo by: Uakutura Kambaekua) NAMPA.

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 05 FEBRUARY 2025 - Chief Justice Peter Shivute pictured during the opening of the 2026 legal year (Photo: Eba Kandovazu) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 05 FEBRUARY 2025 - Chief Justice Peter Shivute pictured during the opening of the 2026 legal year (Photo: Eba Kandovazu) NAMPA

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 05 FEB (NAMPA)- Minister of Labour Relations and Justice, Fillemon Wise Immanuel at the 2026 Legal year opening. (Photo by Eba Kandovazu). NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 05 FEB (NAMPA)- Minister of Labour Relations and Justice, Fillemon Wise Immanuel at the 2026 Legal year opening. (Photo by Eba Kandovazu). NAMPA

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, O5 FEBRUARY 2026 - Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI),  Titus Nampala. (Photo by: Chelva Wells) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, O5 FEBRUARY 2026 - Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI), Titus Nampala. (Photo by: Chelva Wells) NAMPA

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 05 February 2026- President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during the opening of the 2026 Legal year. (Photo by Eba Kandovazu). NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 05 February 2026- President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during the opening of the 2026 Legal year. (Photo by Eba Kandovazu). NAMPA

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 05 FEBRUARY 2026 - Chief of the Subregional Initiative Section at Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) subregional office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA), Zodwa Mabuza. (Photo by: Chelva Wells) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 05 FEBRUARY 2026 - Chief of the Subregional Initiative Section at Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) subregional office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA), Zodwa Mabuza. (Photo by: Chelva Wells) NAMPA

NAMPA
WINDHOEK, 05 February 2026 - Attendees pictured during a cervical cancer awareness dialogue in Windhoek. (Photo by: Mathilde Kudumo) NAMPA

WINDHOEK, 05 February 2026 - Attendees pictured during a cervical cancer awareness dialogue in Windhoek. (Photo by: Mathilde Kudumo) NAMPA

NAMPA