Japan’s Takaichi May Skip Visit to Tokyo War Shrine: Reports

Japan’s likely new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, may forgo a visit to the Yasukuni Shrine during the autumn festival to avoid angering neighbouring Asian countries, media reports suggest.

The Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo honours Japan’s war dead, including convicted war criminals. Visits by Japanese officials to the shrine have historically provoked strong reactions from China and South Korea, who view it as a symbol of Japan’s militaristic past.

Takaichi, the new leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has visited the shrine on multiple occasions during her ministerial career.

According to reports from the Yomiuri Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun, and other media citing unnamed party sources:

• Takaichi is weighing the impact of a potential visit on relations with Beijing and Seoul.
• She is also considering possible criticism from the United States, ahead of President Donald Trump’s expected visit to Tokyo later this month.

In 2013, a visit to the shrine by then-prime minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi’s mentor, prompted a furious response from China and South Korea, while Washington expressed disappointment.

Every year, dozens of Japanese parliament members visit Yasukuni, which also honours officials executed by a US-backed war crimes tribunal after World War II, alongside ordinary soldiers.

The autumn festival, running from 17 to 19 October, is a particularly popular time for visits.

Takaichi’s three predecessors, including outgoing premier Shigeru Ishiba, avoided the shrine during their terms in office.

• Tetsuo Saito, president of the LDP’s coalition partner Komeito, reportedly expressed concerns over Takaichi’s stance on history, including Yasukuni visits, during talks on Tuesday, according to the Asahi Shimbun.
• The LDP-Komeito coalition has yet to finalise a renewal agreement, partly due to a political fund scandal, which has postponed the parliamentary session to elect the new prime minister.

According to Kyodo News, the session is now likely to take place during the week of 20 October.

Despite the coalition being a minority in both parliamentary chambers, Takaichi is expected to be sworn in as prime minister due to a fragmented opposition that has failed to agree on a candidate.