Sanae Takaichi Skips Yasukuni Shrine Visit Amid Prime Ministerial Prospects

New LDP Leader Forgoes Shrine Visit

Sanae Takaichi, the recently elected leader of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), did not visit the contentious Yasukuni Shrine during its three-day autumn festival, which concluded on Sunday, October 19, 2025. This move marks a significant departure from her previous practice of regularly visiting the shrine during its spring and autumn festivals, as well as on the anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

The decision by Ms. Takaichi, who is widely expected to be nominated as Japan's next prime minister in an extraordinary parliamentary session scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, 2025, is being interpreted as a calculated diplomatic gesture. It aims to mitigate potential friction with neighboring countries, particularly China and South Korea, which view visits to the shrine by Japanese politicians as a symbol of Japan's past militarism.

The Yasukuni Shrine Controversy

The Yasukuni Shrine, located in Tokyo, honors Japan's war dead. However, it has been a consistent source of diplomatic tension due to its enshrinement of 14 convicted Class-A World War II war criminals, who were secretly added to its list in 1978. For countries like China and South Korea, the shrine is seen as a painful reminder of Japan's imperial aggression and wartime atrocities. The shrine's attached museum, the Yushukan, further contributes to the controversy by presenting a selective account of Japan's actions during World War II.

Historically, visits by high-ranking Japanese officials to Yasukuni have often triggered strong protests and criticism from these nations, impacting bilateral relations.

Diplomatic Implications and Future Leadership

Ms. Takaichi's decision to skip the personal visit is seen as an effort to prioritize stability in Japan's foreign affairs as she prepares to assume the nation's top leadership role. While she refrained from a personal visit, she did make a 'tamagushi' ritual offering to the shrine on Friday, the first day of the festival. This offering was paid for out of her own pocket and was labeled 'LDP President'.

Her expected elevation to prime minister comes after she won the LDP leadership election on October 4, 2025, becoming the party's first female president. The incoming prime minister faces a busy diplomatic calendar, including international conferences and an anticipated visit from U.S. President Donald Trump later this month. No other cabinet ministers were confirmed to have visited the shrine during this autumn festival, though outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reportedly made a 'masakaki' ritual tree stand offering.