Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi is considering not visiting the Yasukuni Shrine on the anniversary of the end of World War II, a move seen as an effort to avoid diplomatic tensions with neighboring countries, according to Kyodo News.
The Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo honors approximately 2.5 million people who died in Japan's wars from the late 19th to the mid-20th century, including 14 wartime leaders convicted as Class-A war criminals. Visits by Japanese officials to the shrine have often sparked strong protests from China and South Korea.
Takaichi's decision comes as Japan seeks to improve diplomatic relations with countries in the region. The Japanese Prime Minister has previously expressed a cautious stance on the matter, emphasizing the importance of maintaining dialogue and international cooperation.
Instead of visiting Yasukuni, Takaichi is expected to participate in other memorial activities during the national war memorial ceremony, which is held solemnly in Tokyo on August 15 each year. Specific details of the Prime Minister's schedule for that day have not yet been officially announced.
