Japan defence minister visits Yasukuni war shrine, PM Takaichi stays away
North AmericaPoliticsHigh confidence — 87/100
East Asia There had been speculation that Sanae Takaichi, a regular visitor before becoming Japan's prime minister in October 2025, might visit the shrine like then-premier Shinzo Abe had done in 2013.
A Japanese flag flutters as people visit Yasukuni Shrine to pay tribute to the war dead on the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 15, 2026.
(Photo: Reuters/Issei Kato) 15 Aug 2026 10:58AM TOKYO: Japan's defence minister paid his respects Saturday (Aug 15) at a shrine honouring the country's war dead that has long dogged Tokyo's relations with its Asian ne
Confirmed
East Asia There had been speculation that Sanae Takaichi, a regular visitor before becoming Japan's prime minister in October 2025, might visit the shrine like then-premier Shinzo Abe had done in 2013.
A Japanese flag flutters as people visit Yasukuni Shrine to pay tribute to the war dead on the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II, in Tokyo, Japan, Aug 15, 2026.
Unverified
(Photo: Reuters/Issei Kato) 15 Aug 2026 10:58AM TOKYO: Japan's defence minister paid his respects Saturday (Aug 15) at a shrine honouring the country's war dead that has long dogged Tokyo's relations with its Asian ne