Japan's controversial Yasukuni shrine vandalized by death symbols

People carry umbrellas as they visit Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo Aug 15 2021 Reuters-Yonhap — People carry umbrellas as they visit Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, Aug. 15, 2021. Reuters-Yonhap

SEOUL, November 12 (AJP) - Tokyo police launched a criminal investigation after vandals inscribed the Japanese kanji character for "death" at two locations on Yasukuni shrine's stone wall, marking the third defacement incident at the controversial site since June, authorities said.

The incident discovered on Monday follows earlier vandalism cases where Chinese suspects were identified for spray-painting the word "toilet" in red paint.

The shrine, which honors Japan's war dead including convicted World War II criminals, has been a longstanding point of tension between Japan and its Asian neighbors including South Korea and China.

AJP

Japan's controversial Yasukuni shrine vandalized by death symbols

Related