Sanae Takaichi's Political Maneuvering Amid Controversy Over Yasukuni Shrine

Sanae Takaichi, the newly elected president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), is navigating a complex political landscape as she aims to become Japan's first female prime minister. Following the collapse of the LDP's long-standing coalition with the Komeito party on October 10, 2025, Takaichi's prospects have been bolstered by ongoing discussions to form a new alliance with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP). This coalition, although still two seats short of a majority, could facilitate her ascension in a parliamentary vote expected on October 21, 2025.

Japan PM hopeful avoids war shrine visitThe Straits TimesFrance 24Japan TimesLDP's Takaichi Makes Ritual Offering to Yasukuni ShrineOn the 17th, the Chinese government expressed opposition to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's. .Global Times

On October 17, 2025, the first day of the Yasukuni Shrine's autumn festival, Takaichi sent a ritual offering but refrained from visiting the shrine, a site that honors Japan's war dead, including convicted war criminals. This decision reflects her awareness of the diplomatic repercussions that past visits by Japanese leaders have provoked, particularly from China and South Korea. No Japanese prime minister has visited the shrine since 2013, following a backlash against then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit, which angered both neighboring countries and drew criticism from the United States.

Japan TimesOn the 17th, the Chinese government expressed opposition to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's. .LDP's Takaichi Makes Ritual Offering to Yasukuni ShrineGlobal TimesJapan PM hopeful avoids war shrine visitFrance 24The Straits Times

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned Takaichi's offering, asserting that the Yasukuni Shrine symbolizes Japan's militarism and aggression. He emphasized the importance of Japan confronting its historical actions to foster better relations with its Asian neighbors. Similarly, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed disappointment over the offerings, urging Japan's leaders to reflect on their historical actions to build trust between the two nations.

Global TimesOn the 17th, the Chinese government expressed opposition to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's. .Japan TimesLDP's Takaichi Makes Ritual Offering to Yasukuni ShrineFrance 24Japan PM hopeful avoids war shrine visitThe Straits Times

Experts have voiced concerns regarding Takaichi's potential leadership. Mikitaka Masuyama, a professor at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, noted that while Takaichi may attract support from conservatives, she risks alienating a broader voter base that has shifted away from the LDP in recent elections. The political landscape remains fluid, with the possibility of opposition parties uniting around a rival candidate, although discussions on this front have reportedly stalled.

The Straits Times

• “Yasukuni shrine is a spiritual tool and symbol of the war of foreign aggression caused by militaristic Japan,” — Lin Jian, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

On the 17th, the Chinese government expressed opposition to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's. .

• “If the LDP and the JIP agree to form a coalition, Takaichi will become the new prime minister.” — Mikitaka Masuyama, Professor, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies

France 24

As Takaichi prepares for the parliamentary vote, the outcome of coalition negotiations with the JIP will be crucial. The political ramifications of her decisions regarding the Yasukuni Shrine and her ability to navigate the sensitivities surrounding Japan's wartime history will significantly impact her leadership prospects and Japan's diplomatic relations in the region.

On the 17th, the Chinese government expressed opposition to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's. .