🇯🇵 Sanae Takaichi
Japan PM Takaichi sends offering to Yasukuni shrine
What happened
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a "masakaki" offering to the Yasukuni Shrine as part of its autumn festival. The offering was made in her capacity as prime minister, following the practice of her predecessors. Other Japanese officials, including Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Minoru Kiuchi, also visited the shrine and made offerings. A cross-party group of lawmakers plans to visit the shrine on October 19.
Why it matters
The offering is significant because it has sparked reactions from China and South Korea, which view the shrine as a symbol of Japan's past militarism. The visit is also notable as it comes amid strained relations with China and relatively stable ties with South Korea. Tensions between Japan and its neighbors have been ongoing due to historical issues.
Key facts
- Yasukuni Shrine is a Shinto shrine that honors war dead and convicted war criminals.
- The shrine was enshrined 14 Class-A war criminals in 1978.
- Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a "masakaki" offering to the shrine as part of its autumn festival.
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Publisher evidence used
Reporting attributed to straitstimes.com. WorldLeadersNews links readers to the publisher and does not present a headline-only item as a full article analysis.
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