Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has decided not to visit Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo during the fall festival next week, in efforts to avoid controversy surrounding the shrine’s ties to Japan’s past militarism. Among the key members of Ishiba’s cabinet, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya has also stated that he will not visit the shrine during the upcoming three-day festival. However, other cabinet members like Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi have not clarified their stance on the issue.
When questioned about Ishiba’s intentions regarding the shrine, Hayashi mentioned that the Prime Minister will make an “appropriate decision.” Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, on the other hand, expressed that it is natural to offer condolences but revealed he will not be visiting the shrine due to a prior overseas commitment.
Previous visits by Japanese leaders to Yasukuni Shrine have sparked diplomatic tensions with China and South Korea, where memories of Japan’s wartime actions remain sensitive. As Japan continues to navigate its historical legacy, Ishiba’s decision reflects a nuanced approach to addressing past conflicts while maintaining diplomatic relations in the region.
© KYODO