警惕！日本自卫队的“靖国旧梦”

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the concerning resurgence of militaristic sentiments in Japan, particularly through the activities of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and their connections to the Yasukuni Shrine, which symbolizes Japan's militaristic past [2][4][5]. Group 1: Activities and Traditions - A video showing students from the National Defense Medical College participating in a collective visit to Yasukuni Shrine has gone viral, indicating a troubling trend of militarism [2]. - The National Defense Medical College has a long-standing tradition requiring students to participate in a "night march" to Yasukuni Shrine at least once during their four years of study [2]. - On August 15, Japan's defeat day, members of the SDF in uniform are frequently seen visiting Yasukuni Shrine, reflecting the infiltration of historical revisionism into the SDF [2][4]. Group 2: Internal Regulations and Violations - The Ministry of Defense has internal regulations prohibiting collective visits to shrines by SDF personnel, but these rules are increasingly ignored [3]. - In January 2024, a senior SDF officer led a group to Yasukuni Shrine, which was later downplayed as a "private visit" despite the public nature of the event [3]. - The SDF has been criticized for using Yasukuni Shrine as a "historical education base," further blurring the lines between military training and nationalistic indoctrination [3]. Group 3: Educational Content and Historical Narratives - The curriculum at the National Defense Medical College includes textbooks that reflect the Yasukuni perspective, distorting historical events to portray Japan's military actions as defensive [4]. - A former professor criticized the college for inviting speakers who support the justification of Japan's wartime actions, indicating a troubling trend in military education [4]. - In April 2024, an SDF unit publicly referred to World War II as the "Greater East Asia War," showcasing the influence of Yasukuni ideology [4]. Group 4: Personnel and Leadership Connections - The appointment of a former SDF officer as the head priest of Yasukuni Shrine marks a significant intertwining of military and religious leadership [4]. - The advisory board of Yasukuni Shrine includes several former high-ranking SDF officials, indicating a deepening relationship between the SDF and the shrine [4]. Group 5: Broader Implications and Concerns - Japan's military expansion and the rhetoric surrounding national security have raised alarms about a potential return to militarism, with officials openly discussing military interventions [4][5]. - The glorification of Yasukuni Shrine and its association with military sacrifice poses risks of fostering a mindset conducive to war preparations [5].