警惕日本自卫队的靖国旧梦

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the concerning trend of Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF) increasingly aligning with the Yasukuni Shrine, which symbolizes Japan's militaristic past, raising fears of a revival of militarism in Japan [1] Group 1: Activities and Traditions - Students from the National Defense Medical College participated in a collective visit to Yasukuni Shrine, which is a long-standing tradition requiring students to undertake a "night march" to the shrine during their four years of study [1] - The SDF personnel have been seen collectively visiting Yasukuni Shrine on significant dates, such as August 15, the anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II, indicating a normalization of this practice [1] Group 2: Institutional Issues - Despite internal regulations prohibiting collective visits to shrines by SDF members, these rules are being ignored, as evidenced by the actions of high-ranking officials who have participated in such visits [1] - The educational materials used at the National Defense Medical College reflect a revisionist view of history, promoting the "Yasukuni view" and distorting Japan's military actions as self-defense against Western powers [1] Group 3: Personnel and Leadership - The appointment of a former SDF officer as the head of Yasukuni Shrine marks a significant intertwining of military and religious leadership, raising concerns about the influence of militaristic ideologies within the SDF [1] - The presence of former high-ranking SDF officials in advisory roles at Yasukuni Shrine further illustrates the deepening connections between the military and the shrine [1] Group 4: Broader Implications - The article discusses the accelerated militarization of Japan and the rhetoric surrounding national security, which is fostering an environment where militaristic sentiments are gaining traction [1] - Statements from SDF officials regarding the shrine as a "spiritual home" and the preparation for "sacrificing" in battle reflect a troubling shift towards a mindset that could lead to militaristic actions [1]