专栏丨警惕！日本自卫队的“靖国旧梦”

Core Viewpoint - The resurgence of militaristic sentiments in Japan is evident through the activities of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and their connection to the Yasukuni Shrine, raising concerns about a potential revival of militarism in the country [1][3][4] Group 1: Activities and Traditions - A video showing students from the National Defense Medical University participating in a collective visit to Yasukuni Shrine has gone viral, highlighting a long-standing tradition where students must participate in a "night march" to the shrine during their four years of study [1] - The SDF has been seen participating in collective visits to Yasukuni Shrine, particularly on significant dates like August 15, the anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II, indicating a deep-rooted connection to the shrine [1][2] Group 2: Policy and Regulations - Despite internal regulations prohibiting collective visits to shrines by SDF personnel, these rules have become ineffective, as evidenced by a high-ranking official leading a group to Yasukuni Shrine and being labeled as a "private visit" [2] - The Yasukuni Shrine has been controversially designated as a "historical education base" for the SDF, further blurring the lines between military training and nationalistic indoctrination [2] Group 3: Educational Content and Ideology - The curriculum at the National Defense Medical University includes materials that reflect the "Yasukuni view of history," distorting Japan's military actions as defensive against Western imperialism [3] - The influence of the "Yasukuni view" is evident in official communications from the SDF, which have used terms like "Greater East Asia War" in their announcements, showcasing a shift in historical narrative [3] Group 4: Personnel and Leadership - The appointment of a former high-ranking SDF officer as the head priest of Yasukuni Shrine marks a significant intertwining of military and religious leadership, raising alarms about the militarization of national identity [3] - The advisory board of Yasukuni Shrine includes several former high-ranking SDF officials, indicating a strong personnel connection between the military and the shrine [3] Group 5: Broader Implications - The increasing militarization of Japan, coupled with political rhetoric advocating for military intervention in regional conflicts, suggests a potential shift towards a more aggressive military posture [3][4] - Statements from SDF officials expressing a readiness to "die in battle" and the characterization of Yasukuni Shrine as a "spiritual home" for SDF personnel reflect a troubling normalization of militaristic ideology [4]