Seoul: North Korea has criticized Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for making a ritual offering to the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, describing it as a "challenge to international justice." Takaichi sent the offering on Tuesday to the shrine, which commemorates Japanese war dead, including 14 Class A criminals convicted by Allied forces after World War II. The offering has sparked criticism from North Korea and other countries in the region.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Rodong Sinmun, North Korea's official newspaper, expressed strong disapproval of the offering, stating that it represents a "blatant distortion of history and a challenge to international justice and peace." The article emphasized that the shrine is a place to honor individuals considered aggressors and war criminals who caused significant suffering during the war.

The North Korean newspaper further accused Japan of attempting to "disseminate" militarism through visits to the shrine, urging Japan to atone for its past actions. The issue of Japanese politicians visiting or sending offerings to the shrine has long been a contentious topic, as neighboring countries like South Korea and China perceive these actions as an attempt to glorify Japan's militaristic history.

Japan's colonial rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945, along with its invasion of China during World War II, continues to be a source of tension in the region. The shrine visits by Japanese politicians are often met with criticism from countries that were affected by Japan's wartime actions.