Japan PM Takaichi passes on Yasukuni Shrine visit

Japan PM Takaichi passes on Yasukuni Shrine visit

Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae did not visit Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo on Saturday, August 15, when the country annually marks the end of World War Two.

The shrine honors Japan's war dead. Those remembered include leaders convicted of war crimes after the war.

Takaichi instead sent a cash offering to the shrine in her capacity as president of the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party. She did so using her own personal funds.

The offering was made through LDP Secretary-General Suzuki Shunichi, who visited the shrine with two other senior officials of the party on Saturday.

Takaichi is believed to have taken into account possible diplomatic repercussions that could arise if she visits the shrine.

Other factors she may have considered include the need to respond to the aftermath of a major earthquake that struck Japan's southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto in late July.

Takaichi had visited Yasukuni Shrine every year before becoming prime minister.

But she did not visit the shrine during its autumn festival last October, which was held shortly after she was elected LDP president and just before she assumed the post of prime minister. She also did not visit the shrine during its spring festival in April.

Takaichi said in February that she is aiming to gain solid understanding from Japan's allies and neighboring countries and create an environment where people can pay their respects to those who lost their lives for their own nations.

Meanwhile, some Cabinet ministers visited the shrine on Saturday. Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro stopped by, as he does every year, including in 2025, when he served as agriculture minister.

Children's Policy Minister Kikawada Hitoshi, Economic Security Minister Onoda Kimi and the Minister in Charge of Japan's Growth Strategy Kiuchi Minoru also separately visited the shrine.

China, South Korea react to Takaichi's Yasukuni Shrine offering

China and South Korea have issued statements protesting Prime Minister Takaichi's cash offering and visits by some Cabinet ministers to Yasukuni Shrine.

A spokesperson for China's foreign ministry said in a statement that the country strongly deplores Japan's moves related to the shrine, and has lodged serious protests.

A spokesperson for South Korea's foreign ministry said in a commentary that the country cannot but deplore acts of Japanese leaders who have once again made offerings or paid visits to the shrine.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung delivered a speech at a ceremony marking the anniversary of the liberation of the Korean Peninsula from Japanese colonial rule. Lee also expressed his intention to boost cooperation with Japan.