Weekly Writing 2

(1) In the documentary film called "YASUKUNI", Director Lin In appealed for Japanese proper reactions to explain why Yasukuni shrine has became worldwide problematic place, and their responsibilities to solve this long-time political and historical controversy clinging to Yasukuni shrine. With 10 years of shooting documentary about Yasukuni poloblem, Lin tried to show the truth of what is really happening at Yasukuni shrine today. With the unbelievable senses from the film which a lot of Japanese people haven't seen with their own eyes--- Japanese military veterans visiting Yasukuni in full regimentals, and an American carrying the babier for his own nations' flag; a Japanese college student protesting against singing the national athem, and group of people who misunderstood the student as a Chinese student shouting at him to go back to China--- Lin asked audience to define Yasukuni shrine; what and how it should be. Lin also argued that it is impossible to pay homage only for particular people at Yasukuni shrine due to its complicate character. Therefore, he argued that pre-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who has political influence, should not have visit Yasukuni, and Japan need to make a proper judgement for separation of politics and spirituality.

(2) Although he made a documentary on such controversial and sentimental issue, Director Lin In succeeded in his argument and film. One of his argument on Yasukuni controversy; Japan need to explain and solve this issue, is reasonable since it is not only issue in Japan, but involving other countries such as China, Korea, Taiwan, even western countries. Also, I agree with his argument against Junichiro Koizumi visiting a shrine. As a Japanese prime minister, Koizumi should have been more aware of his influential power as a political figure. It is not same as a normal Japanese citizens visits the shrine. Also, since Yasukuni shrine has only one God, it is impossible to pay homage for particular group. No matter to whom Koizumi pay homage, he is paying homage to all people who are enshrined to Yasukuni, and it includes class A war criminals. That said, it is not right place to visit for the Japanese Prime Minister who gave up war forever. Paying homage to A-class war criminals clearly means supporting the war.

(3)Lin In's argument in film called "YASUKUNI" called many skepticism to bear. First of all, the fact that Lin In is from China made his argument doubtful. As he was born in China, his values and assumptions must be based on China, and that will brings some cultural and historical perceptions into his arguments. There is a contradictions in his arguments when Lin argued that it is Japanese responsibilities to solve the issue while he also said that Yasukuni issue is worldwide controversy. Also, when Lin argued that pre-Prime Minister Koizumi cannot pray homage only for particular people, I would argued that it is depends on individual's belief. The most important thing is our hearts when we pray homage at the shrine. If Koizumi prayed homage for war victims, his pray goes only for them. Also, we all have freedom of praying and freedom of belief. Critisizing Koizumi praying is against human right. No matter he is Prime Minister of Japan, he is a human being; therefore, he has right to prey whenever he wants.

(4) In terms of analysis on rhetorical situation, the author is Lin In, a film director who is born in China, but grow up in Japan almost 20 years. He decided to make his documentary film because Yasukuni shrine is been controversy for decades, and its controversy became worldwide problem. He is responding to the event on August 15th 2006, when then Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited the Yasukuni shrine. Koizumi's argued that he pay homage to only for war victims and their families but not for the class-A war criminal. In response, Lin argued that Japan need to separate its politics and religion. The constrains of his argument was that it is cultural, religious, and historical issue.