Haiden, Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo

Yasukuni Shrine, situated in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, was founded in 1869 by Emperor Meiji with the purpose of commemorating and honoring those who sacrificed their lives for Japan during times of war. Presently, the shrine is dedicated to honoring nearly 2.5 million individuals who were involved in various conflicts, including the Boshin War, the Seinan War, World War I, the Manchurian Incident, the China Incident, and World War II. Regardless of their rank, social status, or gender, men, women, and children who supported Japan in various capacities, such as soldiers, factory workers, and civil service workers, are equally revered. The shrine pays solemn tribute to these individuals by displaying their names, origins, birthdates, and places of death on-site. It stands as a somber reminder of the consequences of war, evoking an atmosphere that blends reverence and tragedy.

The primary area of the shrine opens onto a courtyard adorned with cherry blossoms and leads to the Haiden Main Hall and the Yushukan Museum on the right. The Yushukan Museum is a striking structure that narrates the stories of the numerous souls enshrined here. However, the museum has faced criticism for presenting a conservative and biased account of wartime events.

The shrine's Haiden, which serves as the main prayer hall where worshippers come to offer their prayers, was originally constructed in 1901 in the architectural styles of Irimoya-zukuri, Hirairi, and Doubanbuki (copper roofing). This design allowed visitors to pay their respects and make offerings. In 1989, the roof of this building underwent renovation, and on ceremonial occasions, the white screens hanging from the ceiling are replaced with purple ones.