首相・閣僚などによる靖国神社公式参拝中止要請のこと（日本語／英語）

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida

STATEMENT CALLING FOR
DISCONTINUATION OF THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS' VISIT TO YASUKUNI SHRINE

Since its foundation in 1969, the Federation of Shin Buddhist Denominations has unwaveringly protested against the Prime Minister's and other government officials' visit to the Yasukuni Shrine.

The Yasukuni Shrine has been playing a central role in the ideology of the State Shinto, which justifies the war efforts embarked upon by the then military government in the name of 'holy war' by commemorating those who lost their lives in these battles as 'war heroes.'

The Constitution of Japan clearly states that "we shall never be visited with the horrors of war through the action of government" (Preamble) and "aspiring sincerely to an international peace" (Article 9). The principles of 'the freedom of religion' and 'the separation of church and state' form the backbone of these provisions. Therefore, the Prime Minister's and other government officials' visit to the Yasukuni Shrine flagrantly violates the spirit of the Constitution.

Shakyamuni Buddha once said, "Everyone trembles before violence. Everyone fears death. Putting yourself in place of others, do not kill nor cause others to kill." The following is also recorded as his words in a sutra, "When the Buddha Dharma prevails, the land is prosperous and the people live in peace, so there is no need to use soldiers and weapons." Shinran Shonin, the founder of Jodo Shinshu, also expressed his dearest wish for peace in a letter saying, "May there be peace in the world, and may the Buddha's teaching spread!"

However, against these venerable teachers' noble aspirations, we Shin Buddhist communities must admit to a negative history of blindly following the policies of the then Japanese government and voluntarily supporting thier war efforts since the Meiji period, and consequently, we have brought tremendous suffering to both Japanese people as well as those in other countries. With deep reflection on our past, as Buddhists, we have seriously listened to the voice of all victims without regard to the distinctions between friend or foe, and have come to realize that their aspiration for peace is identified as that of the Buddha. In accordance with this understanding, we will continue to join forces with our community members to work toward the realization of world peace without war through such activities as memorial services for war victims.

Therefore, we would once again like to sincerely request that you deepen the realization of how problematic the government officials' visit to the Yasukuni Shrine in the light of the principle of the Constitution and immediately discontinue the visit. It is also our earnest request that you continue to single-mindedly work toward the achievement of world peace.

August 6, 2024