File photograph of protesters participating in a rally on the eightieth anniversary of Japan’s unconditional give up in World War II in Tokyo, Japan, August 15, 2025. /Xinhua
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Saturday despatched a ritual providing to the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine as its three-day autumn competition started, native media reported.
Takaichi despatched a potted plant providing often called “masakaki” to the infamous shrine, an emblem of Japanese militarism and wartime aggression, underneath her title as prime minister, Kyodo News reported.
Takaichi, a conservative politician who commonly visited the controversial shrine earlier than turning into prime minister, is unlikely to go to it throughout the present competition, the report mentioned, citing a supply near her.
While serving as a minister, Takaichi visited the shrine throughout its spring and autumn festivals and on August 15, the anniversary of Japan’s give up in World War II. However, she has avoided doing so since turning into prime minister on October 21 final yr.
Yasukuni Shrine, situated in central Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward, honors 14 convicted Japanese Class-A battle criminals from World War II. It has lengthy been a supply of diplomatic friction between Japan and its neighbors.
For a very long time, visits and ritual choices made by Japanese officers to the shrine have persistently sparked criticism and opposition each at house and overseas, hurting the emotions of the individuals of China, South Korea, and different nations and areas victimized by Japan’s wartime aggression.
Source: CGTN