Recurring Vandalism at Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine Sparks Controversy

Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan's war dead, including World War II criminals, faced another vandalism incident. Graffiti in Chinese was found on the shrine's premises. The incident highlights ongoing tensions with Asian countries affected by Japan's wartime aggression. An investigation is underway, with potential penalties for property damage being severe.

Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, a contentious site honoring Japan's war dead including World War II criminals, has been vandalized once more.

In a statement, the shrine condemned the act, calling it a deplorable effort to tarnish its dignity.

Graffiti reading "toilet" in Chinese was discovered on a stone pillar near the shrine's arch, with Japanese media reporting that the graffiti appeared to be written with black markers.

The incident underscores lingering tensions between Japan and its neighboring countries, who view Yasukuni as a symbol of Japanese militarism.

Convicted Class A war criminals are among the 2.5 million enshrined at Yasukuni, including wartime Prime Minister Hideki Tojo.

While some Japanese politicians visited the shrine on August 15 to commemorate Japan's WWII surrender, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida abstained but sent an offering.

Both Emperor Naruhito and his predecessor, Akihito, have refrained from visiting the shrine.

The maximum penalty for property damage in Japan is a three-year prison sentence and a 300,000 Yen fine.

(With inputs from agencies.)