Story perspectives

Takaichi Skips Yasukuni Visit, Sends Masakaki Offering

By Drooid · Oct 17, 2026, 10:23 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a masakaki offering to Yasukuni Shrine on Oct 17, 2026.
She will skip a personal visit to the shrine during its three-day autumn festival.
Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy Minoru Kiuchi visited Yasukuni and made his own masakaki offering.
Yasukuni Shrine honors 14 Class-A WWII war criminals, a source of friction with China and South Korea.

History

Historical Context

Yasukuni Shrine, founded in 1869, enshrines 2,466,532 war dead, including 14 Class-A WWII criminals. Emperor Hirohito’s 1975 visit sparked protests from China and South Korea, establishing a pattern of diplomatic renewing regional tension whenever Japanese leaders, such as today’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Minister Minoru Kiuchi, public official offers respects.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a masakaki offering to Yasukuni Shrine on Oct 17, 2026.
She will skip a personal visit to the shrine during its three-day autumn festival.
Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy Minoru Kiuchi visited Yasukuni and made his own masakaki offering.
Yasukuni Shrine honors 14 Class-A WWII war criminals, a source of friction with China and South Korea.

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