Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to refrain from visiting Yasukuni Shrine on August 15, which marks both South Korea's Liberation Day and Japan's defeat in World War II. Takaichi, who regularly visited the shrine before taking office, appears to be moderating her approach in consideration of Japan-South Korea relations and trilateral cooperation with the United States.
According to reports from Kyodo News and Jiji Press on August 12, Takaichi is adjusting her plans to avoid a visit to Yasukuni Shrine on the 15th. This decision is believed to be influenced by concerns that a visit could negatively impact the improving relations between Japan and South Korea and provoke backlash from China.
Takaichi is known as a prominent conservative politician in Japan. Before becoming Prime Minister, she regularly visited Yasukuni Shrine during the spring and autumn festivals, as well as on August 15. She visited the shrine last year on the same date before taking office.
During her campaign for the presidency of the Liberal Democratic Party, she indicated that she would continue to visit the shrine even after becoming Prime Minister. However, around the time of her appointment in October last year, she opted for offering ritual offerings instead of a direct visit, and during the spring festival this year, she sent a ceremonial offering known as 'masakaki.'
Takaichi's decision seems to be influenced by diplomatic relations with neighboring countries, including South Korea and the United States. Yasukuni Shrine enshrines 14 Class A war criminals from the Pacific War, leading to consistent backlash from South Korea and China whenever a senior Japanese politician visits. The United States also expressed disappointment when former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited the shrine in 2013.
The last time a sitting Japanese Prime Minister visited Yasukuni Shrine was in December 2013, when Abe made the visit. Since then, subsequent Prime Ministers have avoided direct visits, opting instead for offerings.
Since taking office, Takaichi has emphasized stabilizing relations with South Korea. While concerns about deteriorating Japan-South Korea relations due to past visits to Yasukuni Shrine and historical perceptions have been raised, her actions since taking office have been viewed as more pragmatic compared to her previous hardline stance.
The Japanese government has not yet officially confirmed whether Takaichi will visit the shrine. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated on August 7 that the Prime Minister would make an appropriate decision regarding the visit on the 15th.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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