Cabinet Ministers Visit Yasukuni Shrine on Anniversary

On the 79th anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender, three cabinet ministers visited the Yasukuni shrine, a site associated with Japan's militaristic past and criticized by neighboring countries. Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, and Economic Revitalization Chief Yoshitaka Shindo made the visits, with Kihara stating he paid his respects to those who lost their lives. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who recently announced he would not seek re-election amid a scandal, sent a ritual offering instead of attending in person. The visits sparked condemnation from South Korea and China, who demand Japan confront its wartime history. Kishida's administration has emphasized the importance of peace and reconciliation in recent engagements with South Korea and the U.S. Despite the ministers' claims of private visits, the political implications remain contentious.