Takaichi unlikely to visit Yasukuni Shrine on war anniversary
The Shinto shrine is regarded by neighboring Asian countries such as South Korea and China as a symbol of Japan's wartime militarism.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected not to visit Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine on the anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender, according to sources familiar with the matter. The shrine, which honors Class-A war criminals, is seen as a symbol of Japan's wartime militarism by neighboring Asian nations like South Korea and China.
Takaichi's decision to skip the visit is likely due to concerns about maintaining good relations with South Korea and other countries, as well as her busy diplomatic schedule ahead. A visit to the shrine could complicate relations with South Korea and potentially shift the positive momentum in Japan-South Korea relations. Additionally, Takaichi's absence from Yasukuni Shrine is expected to avoid drawing a strong reaction from China and hinder a potential meeting between her and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the upcoming APEC summit.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
