As August 15, the day in 1945 when Japan announced its surrender to bring an end to World War II, approaches, concerns are mounting over whether Japanese politicians will again visit the Yasukuni Shrine or make offerings. Trips and ritual offerings made in person or by proxy to the infamous shrine by Japanese leaders and officials have repeatedly sparked strong criticism because the visits are interpreted as a denial of history and belittling to countries brutalized by Japan during World War II. 

Yet 75 years on, the international community, especially those from countries that suffered, continue to look on in horror at Japan's attitude toward the anniversary.