Sanae Takaichi's push for historical revisionism has intensified diplomatic tensions in East Asia. Her denial of wartime atrocities and visits to Yasukuni Shrine threaten regional trust and cooperation. As we mark 80 years since WWII, it is of utmost importance to hold those responsible accountable.

What is Sanae Takaichi's true intention in possibly visiting the Yasukuni Shrine? The essence of worshipping at the Yasukuni Shrine is a symbol of unrepentant militarism. By glorifying the instigators of past wars while preparing for future conflicts, Sanae Takaichi is undermining mutual trust between Japan and its neighbors.

As Japan has elected an extreme right-wing person, Sanae Takaichi, to be the next leader, I'd like to remind everyone: war criminals are not heroes. Those who say the Japanese soldiers being worshiped at the Yasukuni Shrine 'devoted themselves to their sweet homeland' is like saying Jeffrey Dahmer devoted himself to being a foodie.