Japan's Defense Minister says ``If regulations are violated, we will take strict action'' regarding Self-Defense Forces visiting Yasukuni Shrine - South Korean report

Defense Minister Minoru Kihara announced on the 12th that he would investigate the visit of Self-Defense Force personnel to Yasukuni Shrine and take necessary measures.
According to NHK, dozens of Self-Defense Forces officials, including Ground Staff Chief Hiroki Kobayashi, arrived in Tokyo on the 9th.
I visited Yasukuni Shrine. Yasukuni Shrine is a symbol of Japanese militarism, and the memorial tablets of 14 Class A war criminals from the Pacific War are enshrined here.
On this day, Self-Defense Force personnel applied for leave and took official vehicles.
I used both to travel from the Ministry of Defense to Yasukuni Shrine. Regarding this, Defense Minister Kihara said, ``Since Self-Defense Forces members are Japanese citizens, freedom of religion is guaranteed, so I don't think there will be any problems if they visit the shrine as individuals.''
However, he pointed out, ``However, the Constitution stipulates that the state and institutions are not allowed to engage in any religious activities, and Self-Defense Force members must avoid actions that could lead to misunderstandings.''
Defense Minister Kihara also mentioned the Ministry of Defense's announcement banning members of the Self-Defense Forces from visiting religious facilities in groups. Defense Minister Kihara said, ``This visit to Yasukuni Shrine violates these rules.''
We have to confirm whether it is considered as such,'' and added, ``We will take strict action depending on the results.''