GHQ 일본 점령하 야스쿠니신사의 변화

Abstract

This study aims to examine rituals performed in relation to peaceful commemoration, with a focus on Yasukuni Shrine’s pursuit of pacifism centered on the appeasement of the spirits during the occupation by the General Headquarters (GHQ). The GHQ issued the Shinto Directive and the Religious Corporations Ordinance immediately after the occupation of Japan. This meant Yasukuni Shrine was no longer supported by the state and was reduced to a mere religious corporation, necessitating self-reliant measures. Departing from its militaristic image, Yasukuni Shrine chose to advocate for peaceful commemoration. Considering its economic position under GHQ’s occupation policy, the shrine needed to transform itself into a universally acceptable pacifist shrine in order to attract bereaved families and the general public as worshippers. The peaceful memorial rituals include the Eitai Kagura Festival, which allowed bereaved families to apply to conduct an individualized memorial ritual for fallen soldiers at Yasukuni Shrine, departing from the collective nature of previous deity-centric ceremonies during wartime. In addition, various other festive occasions (“matsuri”) were held for the first time, including the Mitama Matsuri, which is an ancestor worship memorial festival. Yasukuni Shrine’s pursuit of a public-oriented and peaceful approach to commemoration was essentially initiated as a result of pressure or coercion from the GHQ. However, the various new rituals (“matsuri”) initiated at the shrine during the GHQ’s occupation can be seen as part of its efforts to transform itself.