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Explosion occurred at controversial Yasukuni religious site roughly two weeks ago.

Last month, on the morning of November 23, an explosive device was set off on the grounds of Yasukuni Shrine. Yasukuni, located in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward, enshrines the souls of all those who were killed fighting for Japan in conflicts that have occurred since the start of the country’s Meiji Period in the mid-19th century.

After being contacted by a construction worker who heard the explosion, the police conducted a search of the Yasukuni Shrine grounds on the 23rd, discovering a 30-centmeter (11.9-inch) square hole blown out of the ceiling of a public restroom, as well as four pipes bound together with a lead wire attached, scorched batteries, and what appeared to be a digital display. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, despite a larger than usual number of visitors being at the shrine to attend the annual Niinamesai rice harvest ceremony which was being held that day.

Upon examining surveillance footage recorded in the area, Tokyo Metropolitan Police claim to have identified Changhan Jeon, a 27-year-old Korean national, leaving the scene shortly after the explosion. Jeon had checked into a hotel in Chiyoda Ward on the night of November 22, but left Japan following the blast on November 23, departing Tokyo’ Haneda Airport on a flight back to Korea.

However, Jeon returned to Japan, again passing through Haneda Airport, on the morning of December 9. Upon arrival, he was met by the authorities and promptly arrested.

No motive has been suggested, but considering the sharply divided political opinions Yasukuni is a lightning rod for, displeasure at Japan’s military aggressions towards Korea in the first half of the 20th century is likely the supposition the police are operating under. Jeon has denied the charges, responding to questioning with the phrase “Yoku wakaranai” (“I don’t know” or “I’m not sure”), and remains in police custody.

Source: NHK News Web via Jin
Top image: Wikipedia/Wiiii