Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa says the government will take appropriate measures based on relevant laws regarding graffiti incidents at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo.
Tokyo police placed two Chinese nationals on a wanted list on suspicion of property damage and disrespect of places of worship. Chinese police say they are questioning one of the suspects over a separate case.
Hayashi told reporters on Wednesday that painting graffiti at the shrine is an act that violates Japan’s criminal laws and is also intolerable to Japanese people’s sentiment.
He added that Japan has conveyed its concern to the Chinese government through diplomatic channels, and requested that China call on its people to act calmly in compliance with the laws and regulations of the place where they are staying.
Hayashi said he would refrain from commenting on the further actions by the Japanese government at this moment, but pledged appropriate responses.
Yasukuni Shrine honors Japan’s war dead. Those remembered include leaders convicted of war crimes after World War Two.