In the process of building a firm foundation for the nation several domestic struggles occurred such as the Saga Rebellion and the Satsuma Rebellion. Those who offered their lives for the country during these struggles were also worshiped at Yasukuni Jinja. The noble work of building the nation of Japan that was one with His Majesty the Emperor was accomplished through the blessings of the ancestors of each one of you. Nevertheless, to defend the independence of the nation as well as the peace of Asia, the sad development of wars with other countries arose. In the Taisho Period there was the First World War.
War is truly sorrowful.
Yet to maintain the independence and peace of the nation and for the prosperity of all of Asia, Japan was forced into conflict. The answer is 2,466,000 Kami. There are these great many Kami in your presence when your worship at Yasukuni Jinja. Allow me to speak about these Kami. Among them are such historical figures as Sanai Hashimoto, Shoin Yoshida, Ryoma Sakamoto and Shinsaku Takasugi who you know from history books and television dramas.