According to Japanese economic news reports, in preparation for the autumn festival of the Japanese Yasukuni Shrine held from the 17th to the 19th, Japanese Prime Minister Yukie Akamine presented a ritual offering called "Shinakushi" at the shrine where war criminals from World War II are enshrined, on the 17th under the name of "Minister-President of the Cabinet".
According to reports, it is expected that she will not visit the shrine during the major festival period.
One year ago, in October 2025, Makihiko Takahashi, who was about to become prime minister at that time, decided not to attend the autumn regular ceremony due to concerns about its impact on foreign relations. Instead, she paid for the "yukatsune" on her own as the party president. During the spring regular ceremony in April 2026, she again offered the "shinjō" but also did not attend the ceremony.
Regarding Japan's negative actions regarding the Yasukuni Shrine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its concerns on many occasions.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Japan waged aggressive wars during World War II and committed heinous crimes. The so-called "Yasukuni Shrine" is a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarism. The 14 Class-A war criminals enshrined in this shrine are the chief culprits behind the aggressive wars, making it effectively a "war criminal shrine." No matter what reasons Japanese politicians claim, they cannot hide their true intentions to reclassify these war criminals as victims, cover up their war crimes, and distort historical facts in order to accelerate militarization. Such wrongful actions are an insult to historical justice, a challenge to the boundaries of civilization, and an affront to the post-war international order. The international community unanimously opposes such actions.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trials. Correctly understanding and dealing with history is an important prerequisite for Japan to return to the international community after the war. It is also a political foundation for Japan to develop relations with its neighbors. Moreover, it serves as an important criterion to assess whether Japan will adhere to its promises of peaceful development. We urge Japan to deeply reflect on its aggressive history, sever ties with militarism, and take practical actions to earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community.
