Japan Defense Minister Visits Yasukuni Shrine on WWII Anniversary

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine on Saturday, August 15, 2026, a move that drew immediate condemnation from China and is likely to strain diplomatic relations with Japan's neighbors. The visit occurred as Japan marked the 81st anniversary of its surrender in World War Two. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who had previously visited the shrine annually, did not attend in person but sent a ritual offering, a decision seen as an effort to avoid further escalating tensions with Beijing and Seoul.

Koizumi, wearing a dark suit and tie, prayed at the shrine, which honors approximately 2.5 million war dead, including 14 Class A war criminals convicted by an Allied tribunal. He did not comment to journalists. His visit is considered particularly significant as he is the first sitting defense minister to attend on the surrender anniversary since Minoru Kihara in 2024. Koizumi, the son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, has a history of visiting the shrine, including in his previous role as agriculture minister.

China responded strongly to the visit. A foreign ministry spokesperson stated that China "strongly condemns the negative moves by...