At Yasukuni, the politicians followed the script, but the shrine did not

Live updates

1. 29d ago

   Japan defence minister visits Yasukuni Shrine

   Japan's defence minister visited the contentious Yasukuni Shrine, a site linked to Japan's wartime atrocities, sparking protests from China. The visit was part of a ritual to honour war dead, but critics argue it glorifies Japan's military past. The shrine is a sensitive topic in Japan and abroad due to its association with convicted war criminals.

   Why it matters

   The Yasukuni Shrine visit is a recurring point of tension between Japan and its Asian neighbours, particularly China and South Korea, who suffered under Japanese aggression during World War II. Japan's politicians often visit the shrine, which they see as a way to honour the country's war dead. However, critics argue that the shrine's connection to convicted war criminals and its perceived endorsement of Japan's militaristic past make it a divisive issue.

   What is confirmed

   • Japan defence minister visited Yasukuni Shrine
   • Yasukuni Shrine is linked to Japan's wartime atrocities
   • China protested Japan PM and Defence Minister's Yasukuni actions

   What to watch next

   • Reaction from South Korea
   • Japan's diplomatic efforts to mitigate backlash
   • Possible future visits by other Japanese politicians
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. Reuters — Japan defence minister visits contentious Yasukuni Shrine to war dead
   2. Bloomberg.com — China Protests Japan PM, Defense Minister’s Yasukuni Actions
   3. Politico — Takaichi skips controversial shrine on 81st anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender
   4. Al Jazeera — What is Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, linked to Japan’s wartime atrocities?
   5. The Japan Times — At Yasukuni, the politicians followed the script, but the shrine did not
   confidence 90%