Sanae Takaichi, a senior figure in Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, may choose not to make a Yasukuni visit this autumn. This potential decision marks a notable change in her long-standing practice of attending the shrine during key national observances. The Yasukuni Shrine, located in central Tokyo, honors Japan’s war dead. However, it also enshrines 14 convicted World War II war criminals. As a result, visits by government officials often trigger backlash from neighboring countries like China and South Korea. These countries see the visits as a refusal to confront Japan’s wartime actions.
Takaichi has visited the shrine regularly during its spring and autumn festivals, as well as on August 15, the anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II. However, political insiders report that she is now rethinking this tradition. If she skips the Yasukuni visit, it may signal a broader political shift. She recently told reporters she would decide at an “appropriate time” how to honor Japan’s war dead. She emphasized that Japan must not turn memorial decisions into diplomatic controversies.This suggests a more cautious approach as she positions herself for higher leadership roles.
The next scheduled festival at Yasukuni Shrine runs from October 17 to 19. This period overlaps with several major diplomatic events, including summits connected to ASEAN and the APEC forum. Takaichi plans to attend these high-profile meetings, which raises the importance of her diplomatic image. One factor influencing her decision is the opinion of coalition partner Komeito. The party has often expressed discomfort with LDP leaders visiting the shrine. Maintaining coalition unity is likely playing a major role in her hesitation.
Additionally, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba recently avoided visiting the shrine in person. Instead, he sent a ritual offering, a symbolic gesture used by some officials to balance national duty with diplomatic restraint. This may have set a precedent Takaichi could follow. The Yasukuni visit remains a divisive issue in Japanese politics. Nationalist groups and conservative lawmakers strongly support such visits as expressions of patriotism. In contrast, moderates and international observers argue they strain regional relations and isolate Japan diplomatically.
Experts say Takaichi’s next move will be closely watched. If she avoids the shrine, it may reflect an evolving political strategy that favors diplomacy over symbolism. If she attends, she risks backlash both at home and abroad. In either case, her decision could influence future political leaders. The debate over the Yasukuni visit is far from over, and the upcoming festival may mark a turning point in how Japan navigates memory, leadership, and diplomacy.
