Yasukuni

Yasukuni Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the souls of those who died in service of the Emperor of Japan. The shrine's origins date back to 1869 when it was established to commemorate those who died in the Boshin War. Its current name was adopted in 1879. Yasukuni Shrine enshrines 2,466,592 individuals, including 2,133,923 men, 183,464 women, and 14,729 children. Among these are 1,114 convicted war criminals, including 14 Class A war criminals.

The shrine is controversial due to its enshrinement of convicted war criminals. Visits to the shrine by Japanese politicians, particularly prime ministers, have drawn strong criticism from neighboring countries such as China and South Korea, as well as from some within Japan. These visits are seen by critics as an endorsement of Japan's past militarism and aggression. Supporters of the visits argue that they are a way to honor the war dead and to reflect on the sacrifices made for peace.

Adjacent to Yasukuni Shrine is the Yushukan museum, which displays artifacts and information related to Japan's military history. The museum's exhibits have also been a source of controversy, with some critics accusing them of downplaying or denying Japanese atrocities during wartime. The shrine itself is a significant landmark and attracts many visitors for its historical context and cultural importance.