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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba sent an offering to the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine on Friday, according to Kyodo News. The move came at a sensitive moment marking the 80th anniversary of the World Anti-Fascist War and Japan's unconditional surrender, with the controversial site still enshrining Class-A war criminals. 

On the same day, Japanese Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited the shrine, becoming the first cabinet minister confirmed to do so since Ishiba took office. Former economic security minister Sanae Takaichi also paid a visit, according to Kyodo News.

Previously, in response to Ishiba’s sending of a “masakaki” offering to the shrine under his name as prime minister during its autumn festival, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stressed on October 17, 2024 that “the Yasukuni Shrine is a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarists responsible for the war of aggression. The place honors 14 convicted Class-A war criminals with grave responsibilities for the war crimes committed during that war of aggression.”

“We urge Japan to see squarely and reflect on the history of aggression, act prudently on historical issues such as the Yasukuni Shrine, make a clean break with militarism, follow a path of peaceful development, and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community with concrete actions,” Mao said.

Global Times