Story perspectives

South Korea Slams Takaichi’s Yasukuni Offering, Tokyo Protest

By Drooid · Oct 19, 2026, 10:34 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a monetary offering to Yasukuni Shrine on Oct 19, 2026.
She also presented a Masakaki evergreen-twig ritual offering to the shrine on Oct 17, 2026.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry expressed deep disappointment over the offering on Oct 17, 2026.
The Chinese Embassy in Tokyo said Beijing condemns the offering, calling it a step toward remilitarisation.

History

Historical Context

In 2001, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi made his first official visit to Yasukuni Shrine, sparking regional outrage. Koizumi’s two visits that year drew protests from Seoul’s government and Beijing’s embassy, with over 10,000 demonstrators gathering in Tokyo. Similarly, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s 2026 monetary and Masakaki offerings to Yasukuni have provoked South Korean disappointment and Chinese condemnation. These recurring shrine gestures risk deepening East Asian diplomatic rifts, prompting allies like the United States to urge Japan to prioritize reconciliation.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a monetary offering to Yasukuni Shrine on Oct 19, 2026.
She also presented a Masakaki evergreen-twig ritual offering to the shrine on Oct 17, 2026.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry expressed deep disappointment over the offering on Oct 17, 2026.
The Chinese Embassy in Tokyo said Beijing condemns the offering, calling it a step toward remilitarisation.

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