Japan PM Takaichi sends offering to Yasukuni shrine, drawing regional criticism
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a ritual offering to the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo during its annual spring festival, a move that has reignited criticism from neighboring countries who view the shrine as a symbol of Japan's militaristic past. Takaichi did not visit in person, according to media reports and an unidentified source close to the matter.
The Yasukuni Shrine is dedicated to approximately 2.5 million war dead, mostly Japanese, who perished in conflicts since the late 19th century. That number includes senior military and political figures convicted by an international tribunal of war crimes before and during World War II. The shrine has long been a point of diplomatic friction, with China and South Korea viewing any official homage as an attempt to glorify Japan's wartime aggression.
Regional reactions
China condemned the offering and visits by other Japanese officials. A spokesperson for Beijing's Foreign Ministry said at a regular press briefing that Japan's "negative actions" concerning the shrine "grossly trample on human conscience," and that China is "very indignant at these heinous acts and strongly condemns them." The Chinese Foreign Ministry has previously described the shrine as a "spiritual instrument and symbol of the wars of aggression launched by Japanese militarism."
South Korea expressed "deep disappointment and regret" over the offering. In a commentary, foreign ministry spokesperson Park Il urged Japan's leadership to "squarely face history and show through action humble reflection and genuine atonement for historical issues." Park emphasized that these actions would be an important foundation for building future-oriented bilateral relations based on mutual trust.
North Korea also criticized Takaichi's offering, with the state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper calling it a "blatant distortion of history and a challenge to international justice and peace." The article accused Tokyo of seeking to "disseminate" militarism through the shrine visits and called on Japan to atone for its past.
The criticism stems from Japan's historical actions, including its colonial rule over Korea from 1910 to 1945 and its invasion of China during World War II.
Takaichi's approach
This was not the first time Takaichi has sent an offering since becoming prime minister in October. According to a Yonhap report, she had previously sent an offering during the autumn festival, a shift from her earlier practice. As a lawmaker, Takaichi had regularly visited the shrine in person, but since taking office she has chosen to send offerings instead of visiting.
No Japanese prime minister has visited the Yasukuni Shrine since December 2013, when Shinzo Abe's visit sparked fury in Beijing and Seoul and drew a rare diplomatic rebuke from the United States. Takaichi's predecessors, Shigeru Ishiba and Fumio Kishida, also sent offerings during the biannual festivals.
Other incidents at the shrine
During the spring festival, Japanese police arrested a 64-year-old South Korean national for allegedly obstructing the event. According to Kyodo News, the man stood at the main gate holding a banner with messages including one urging "war criminals" to stop praying at the shrine and another making territorial claims on an island disputed between Japan and South Korea. The demonstration took place in front of vehicles carrying messengers from the emperor, who did not attend the politically sensitive event in person.