@Genesis
I know that the war between our two countries is a very , very sensitive topic for both Chinese and Japanese. Even for me. So let me try to answer your questions to the best of my ability and in my own opinion. As one genuine Japanese to a genuine Chinese.
First and foremost, I am sorry. I am sorry that the war took place, I am sorry that so many Chinese people died, many innocent civilians who had nothing to do with politics, no knowledge of designs of empire, but were caught at the wrong place and wrong time. Perhaps you had family members , relatives who experienced the war first hand, and perhaps they shared with you their personal anecdotes. Many Chinese died in that war, be they civilian or military.
May their souls rest in peace, May God give them peace.
For me, the war was absolute travesty for my family. My grandfather was one of 4 sons in his family. All of them were drafted to serve in the Imperial Armed Forces. My Grandfather served in the Imperial Japanese Navy, and his 3 younger brothers , too, served in the Imperial Navy. Out of 4 sons, only 1 returned home to Japan alive after the war. That was my grandfather.
From what my grandfather told me, when his father was informed that 3 of his sons, beloved, perished , he succumbed to a deep depression, which he never really was capable of coming out of. My grandfather's mother , too , was devastated. My grand uncles who died in the war, never came home, their bodies were lost in sea. The Yasukuni Shrine is for all Japan's young men and boys who died in the war; where , in the Shinto belief, their souls can rest. It is a grave, you see, for the some 3 million young men and boys who died and fought for Japan. I have visited Yasukuni Shrine many times before , and it was to give obeiscance to the spirit/ souls of my grand-uncles. This is why, to the average Japanese person who has family enshrined there, it is righteous of them to visit them, care for them, remember them. We pray for them, their souls, for their sins. As we pray for the souls of those who died by the actions of Japan.
I hope, and I pray, you can understand why Yasukuni shrine is of emotional significance for Japan. That shrine, for many young Japanese , are the only physical remnant/ grave they have of their father, uncle, grandfather, grand-uncle, great-grand father, great-grand uncle etc, etc, etc.
I remember as a child visiting Yasukuni with my grandfather. When my grandfather saw the names of his 3 brothers, he broke down in tears, prostrated , he was crying so deep,... and kept on repeating "My little brothers...my little brothers...how long have i missed you. I miss you.."
It was emotional, for him. For me.
I will end this now, because i am already brought to tears.
Please, accept my apology,
Thank You.
I know that the war between our two countries is a very , very sensitive topic for both Chinese and Japanese. Even for me. So let me try to answer your questions to the best of my ability and in my own opinion. As one genuine Japanese to a genuine Chinese.
First and foremost, I am sorry. I am sorry that the war took place, I am sorry that so many Chinese people died, many innocent civilians who had nothing to do with politics, no knowledge of designs of empire, but were caught at the wrong place and wrong time. Perhaps you had family members , relatives who experienced the war first hand, and perhaps they shared with you their personal anecdotes. Many Chinese died in that war, be they civilian or military.
May their souls rest in peace, May God give them peace.
For me, the war was absolute travesty for my family. My grandfather was one of 4 sons in his family. All of them were drafted to serve in the Imperial Armed Forces. My Grandfather served in the Imperial Japanese Navy, and his 3 younger brothers , too, served in the Imperial Navy. Out of 4 sons, only 1 returned home to Japan alive after the war. That was my grandfather.
From what my grandfather told me, when his father was informed that 3 of his sons, beloved, perished , he succumbed to a deep depression, which he never really was capable of coming out of. My grandfather's mother , too , was devastated. My grand uncles who died in the war, never came home, their bodies were lost in sea. The Yasukuni Shrine is for all Japan's young men and boys who died in the war; where , in the Shinto belief, their souls can rest. It is a grave, you see, for the some 3 million young men and boys who died and fought for Japan. I have visited Yasukuni Shrine many times before , and it was to give obeiscance to the spirit/ souls of my grand-uncles. This is why, to the average Japanese person who has family enshrined there, it is righteous of them to visit them, care for them, remember them. We pray for them, their souls, for their sins. As we pray for the souls of those who died by the actions of Japan.
I hope, and I pray, you can understand why Yasukuni shrine is of emotional significance for Japan. That shrine, for many young Japanese , are the only physical remnant/ grave they have of their father, uncle, grandfather, grand-uncle, great-grand father, great-grand uncle etc, etc, etc.
I remember as a child visiting Yasukuni with my grandfather. When my grandfather saw the names of his 3 brothers, he broke down in tears, prostrated , he was crying so deep,... and kept on repeating "My little brothers...my little brothers...how long have i missed you. I miss you.."
It was emotional, for him. For me.
I will end this now, because i am already brought to tears.
Please, accept my apology,
Thank You.
