Defense minister visits war-linked Yasukuni Shrine as Takaichi stays away

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stayed away from a shrine honoring Japan’s war dead Saturday on the 81st anniversary of the emperor’s surrender in World War II.

There had been some speculation that Takaichi might attend the Yasukuni Shrine like then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe — her mentor — had done in 2013, which sparked fury in China and South Korea.

Yasukuni is dedicated to 2.5 million war dead, mostly Japanese, including convicted war criminals associated with imperial Japan’s invasion and occupation of parts of Asia in the 1930s and 1940s.

Large crowds, as well as dozens of lawmakers, throng Yasukuni every Aug. 15 and also at other religious festivals during the year, some of them in military-style uniforms.

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi leaves after paying his respects at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on Saturday. | JIJI

Those paying respects early Saturday included Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi — a regular visitor — and senior members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Politicians generally visit the shrine early in the morning of Aug. 15 but by 10 a.m. Saturday, Takaichi had not appeared. Local media reported that she planned to stay away.