(FT must have installed some new functions--I just saw all the notifications for new posts to the old thread.)

This topic may be an old thread, but sentiment remains the same because somethings still haven't change. Japan still has not redeemed itself by apologizing, acknowledging, or compensating for its war crimes.

I had said to avoid Shinto Shrines, not because the religion is necessarily the culprit; usually people in power are the ones who exploit and abuse the religious messages. However, the Shinto Shrines, especially the main one in Tokyo houses the names of the WWII war criminals. The Japanese PM, against the protests of all neighboring Asian countries, has visited to pay his respects to the war criminals at the Shinto Shrine.

As I said, if Japan has redeemed itself with the kind of sincerity and effort like Germany has done (e.g. Holocause Museum), I might think differently of visiting the Shinto Shrines. But, as long as there are many Japanese who think the Rape of Nanking did not even occur despite testimonials from Westerners and actual film footage, I will at least abide by my personal principle of not stepping inside a shinto shrine.

By the way, if you don't agree with my thoughts on the Shinto Shrines, you are more than welcome to go visit the Shrines yourself; but please don't tell me not to post information here that just might be important to someone who plans to visit Japan.



[This message has been edited by ChaseTheMiles (edited Mar 17, 2004).]