North Korea recently condemned Japanese politicians for visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, accusing them of attempting to normalize and legitimize the veneration of militaristic spirits. Pyongyang contends that this move is aimed at transforming Japan into a fully militarized and aggressive state.
The Workers’ Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun published an article on Monday titled, The Worship of Ambitions Rekindled by Aggression, on page 6. The piece criticized 52 Japanese lawmakers—members of a group advocating visits to the Yasukuni Shrine—who paid their respects on August 15. The newspaper accused these politicians of persistently engaging in historical revisionism and of aligning themselves with Japan’s right-wing forces.
Notably, Sanae Takaichi, a candidate for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s presidency, along with Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, also visited the shrine, sparking domestic controversy in Japan.
On its front page, Rodong Sinmun highlighted Kim Jong Il’s achievements on the Day of Songun (August 25), urging citizens to accomplish the goals set at the party’s 8th Congress. This day commemorates Kim’s visit to the Ryu Kyong-Su 105th Tank Division on August 25, 1960—the first unit to enter Seoul during the Korean War. Since 2013, it has been designated a public holiday to mark its 50th anniversary.
Page 2 marked the 65th anniversary of the Day of Songun with an article titled, On This Historic Day, August 25. The newspaper underscored Kim’s legacy as the foundation of today’s Korean People’s Army while also praising the leadership of Kim Jong Un.
The third page reported on a housing ceremony in Jiha-ri, Pangyo County, and highlighted the construction of modern cultural centers in rural areas of Goseong County—specifically in Bongjuk-ri and Sunhak-ri on August 19—as part of ongoing housewarming events across Gangwon Province.
On the fourth page, an article titled, Unleashing the Boundless Creativity of the Masses through the Power of Ideology and Political Work, encouraged increased productivity. The newspaper directed party organizations to conduct well-planned political work that accurately reflects public sentiment.
The fifth page emphasized the importance of nurturing scientific and technological talent, stating that a skilled leader is an excellent educator, and urging officials to focus on developing a scientifically literate population. The newspaper asserted that this approach is fundamental to national economic growth and development, calling on officials to devise clear strategies and methodologies to achieve this goal.
