Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a ritual offering to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine on Saturday, October 17, marking the start of its autumn festival. Takaichi, who became prime minister last year, has refrained from visiting the shrine in person since taking office, opting instead for distant bows or sending offerings.
Yasukuni Shrine is viewed by Japan's neighbors as a symbol of its past militarism, and visits or offerings by Japanese leaders can strain diplomatic relations, particularly with China and South Korea.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a ritual offering to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine on Saturday, October 17, as the shrine began its three-day autumn festival. Takaichi, who became prime minister last year, has not visited the shrine in person since taking office, opting instead for distant bows or sending offerings. The shrine honors approximately 2,466,000 people who died in Japan's wars, including Class-A war criminals from World War II. Takaichi, known for her conservative views, had previously visited the shrine regularly before assuming the premiership.
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