While Japan commemorated the victims of World War II on August 15, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba avoided mentioning Japanese aggression and sent an offering to Yasukuni Shrine, where even Class A war criminals are honored. The move, along with the visit of a cabinet minister, drew sharp criticism at home and abroad.

According to a global survey CGTNwhich included almost 12 000 respondents from 40 countries, most of the world public disagrees with Japan's distortion of history. 64,4 % dotázaných opposes visits by politicians to the Yasukuni shrine and more than 65 % criticizes the crackdown on textbooks or demands an apology and compensation for victims of Japanese aggression.

The strongest opposition was expressed by Asians - for example in Jižní Koreji disagreement rate exceeds 90 %. Japanese respondents, on the other hand, see the situation quite differently: only 18 % of them oppose Yasukuni visits and even fewer recognize the need for an apology.

The survey also shows that most respondents consider Germany's post-war approach to be exemplary - unlike Japan, whose international reputation has been seriously damaged by distortions of history and political moves. More than half of the respondents believe that Japan's attitude is hampering relations not only with China but also with other Asian neighbours.

CMG