Chinese national accused of spraying ink at Yasukuni Shrine

TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police on Monday arrested a 53-year-old male Chinese for damaging a curtain at the controversial Yasukuni Shrine in Chiyoda Ward, reports Jiji Press (Aug. 19).

At around 2:35 p.m., the suspect, of no known occupation, allegedly tossed what appears to have been black ink on one part of the white curtain, which hangs in front of the shrine’s main building.

At least one visitor to the shrine and a cash box below the curtain was also splattered with ink, according to the Kojimachi Police Station.

Officers later apprehended the suspect on suspicion of property damage. During questioning, he admitted to the allegations.

Yasukuni Shrine is a point of contention for Korea and China since it enshrines 14 Japanese leaders who were convicted as war criminals following World War II.

On August 15, the anniversary of Japan’s surrender, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a ritual offering to the shrine.