Yasukuni Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for Yasukuni.
Yasukuni Ending Explained: The film looks at the history of Yasukuni Shrine in Chiyoda, Tokyo, where more than 2 million of Japan's war dead are enshrined. Directed by Li Ying, this 2008 documentary film stars Naoharu Kariya (Himself), alongside Junichiro Koizumi as Himself. With a 6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Yasukuni?
The film looks at the history of Yasukuni Shrine in Chiyoda, Tokyo, where more than 2 million of Japan's war dead are enshrined. More than 1,000 of them are war criminals convicted at the 1946–48 Tokyo tribunal, including 14 Class-A war criminals, Hideki Tōjō among them. The film shows not only the widely reported political incidents associated with the shrine, but also takes an in-depth look at the shrine's sword-making tradition, the Yasukuni sword being the film's underlying motif.
Li Ying's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Naoharu Kariya (Himself)'s journey. More than 1,000 of them are war criminals convicted at the 1946–48 Tokyo tribunal, including 14 Class-A war criminals, Hideki Tōjō among them.
How Does Naoharu Kariya (Himself)'s Story End?
- Naoharu Kariya: Naoharu Kariya's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Junichiro Koizumi (Himself): Junichiro Koizumi's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
What Does the Ending of Yasukuni Mean?
Yasukuni's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Naoharu Kariya may feel rushed. Li Ying's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.