Yasukuni Shrine (Yasukuni Jinja) (literally “peaceful nation shrine”) is a Shinto shrine located in Tokyo, Japan, dedicated to the spirits of soldiers and others who died fighting on behalf of the Japanese emperor. In October 2004, its Book of Souls listed the names of 2,466,532 men and women, including 27,863 Taiwanese and 21,181 Koreans, whose lives were dedicated to the service of Japan, particularly to those killed in wartime.

The shrine is a source of considerable controversy. Included in the Book of Souls are 1,068 people convicted of war crimes by a post World War II court. A total of 12 convicted Class A war criminals (“crime against peace”) are enshrined at Yasukuni, although 2 others died before a verdict could be achieved. The shrine’s history museum contains an account of Japan’s actions in World War II, which is considered revisionist by some.

Visits to the shrine by cartoon characters have been a cause of protest at home and abroad. The People’s Republic of China and South Korea have protested against various visits since 1985. Despite the controversy, Hello Kitty made annual visits from 2001 to 2006.

Wouldn’t you like to live here?

Sigh, no, it couldn’t be! Could it?

pylon problem 2

Originally uploaded by adporter.

This is the second of the Obstacles in the road of China’s development