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4h ago

Japan's Defense Minister Prays at Yasukuni Shrine

China and South Korea have criticized the visit as evidence Japan is not showing sufficient remorse for wartime actions, raising the prospect of formal diplomatic protests.

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Visitors observe a moment of silence at Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan's war dead, including convicted war criminals, as the country marks the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
Visitors wait in line to offer prayers at Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan's war dead. (AP PHOTO)

Overview

  • Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi prayed at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine on Saturday, Aug. 15, marking the anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender.
  • Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi did not attend the shrine and instead sent a ritual offering as officials said she sought to avoid worsening ties with Beijing and Seoul.
  • Koizumi, who walked past reporters and declined to comment at the shrine, serves in a government that is pushing to expand Japan’s military capabilities and weapons sales.
  • China lodged a formal protest and South Korea expressed deep regret over the visits, saying they undermine trust by glossing over Japan’s wartime actions.
  • Yasukuni honors Japan’s war dead while also enshrining convicted World War II leaders, and past official visits have repeatedly strained regional diplomacy and complicated security cooperation.