GHQ religious expert recommended sparing Yasukuni Shrine

GHQ religious expert recommended sparing Yasukuni Shrine

WASHINGTON, United States - An expert in Japanese religion at the General Headquarters (GHQ) that ruled Japan after World War II recommended sparing Tokyo's controversial Yasukuni Shrine in January 1947, according to documents (copies in photo) Kyodo News obtained on Aug. 13. William Woodard, then a leading authority on Japanese religion, said in a report that the shrine ''should be allowed to continue to exist,'' as its elimination ''would accomplish very little and would create additional problems.''

Gordon speaks at upper house panel on Constitution enactment

Gordon speaks at upper house panel on Constitution enactment

TOKYO, Japan - Beate Shirota Gordon (R), a former member of the occupation force's General Headquarters (GHQ), speaks before the House of Councillors panel on the postwar Constitution on May 2. Richard Pools (L), who was on the subcommittee on the emperor and treaties, also took part in a question-and-answer session on the eve of the 53rd anniversary of the Constitution's enforcement. Gordon was once a member of the subcommittee on human rights.

GHQ religious expert recommended sparing Yasukuni Shrine

GHQ religious expert recommended sparing Yasukuni Shrine

WASHINGTON, United States - An expert in Japanese religion at the General Headquarters (GHQ) that ruled Japan after World War II recommended sparing Tokyo's controversial Yasukuni Shrine in January 1947, according to documents (copies in photo) Kyodo News obtained on Aug. 13. William Woodard, then a leading authority on Japanese religion, said in a report that the shrine ''should be allowed to continue to exist,'' as its elimination ''would accomplish very little and would create additional problems.'' (Kyodo)

Gordon speaks at upper house panel on Constitution enactment

Gordon speaks at upper house panel on Constitution enactment

TOKYO, Japan - Beate Shirota Gordon (R), a former member of the occupation force's General Headquarters (GHQ), speaks before the House of Councillors panel on the postwar Constitution on May 2. Richard Pools (L), who was on the subcommittee on the emperor and treaties, also took part in a question-and-answer session on the eve of the 53rd anniversary of the Constitution's enforcement. Gordon was once a member of the subcommittee on human rights.