Will Japan's Prime Minister Takaiichi Skip Yasukuni Shrine Visit? Insights Ahead of Spring Festival

Lee Ji-yoon. | 2026.04.18

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2024년 야스쿠니신사 참배한 다카이치 당시 의원 모습[교도=연합뉴스 자료사진 제공][교도=연합뉴스 자료사진 제공]

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is widely expected to refrain from visiting Yasukuni Shrine during the spring rites scheduled for April 21–23. Jiji Press reported on April 17, citing sources, that Takaichi has begun coordinating to withhold a formal visit, reportedly out of consideration for diplomatic sensitivities with South Korea and China.Kyodo News, quoting government sources, said officials anticipate she will avoid a personal visit to prevent diplomatic friction and may, as some prior prime ministers have done, offer payment for a tamagushi—a traditional shrine offering—using private funds instead of attending in person.This spring observance is the first major Yasukuni Shrine rite since the right-leaning Takaichi became prime minister, and her decision is drawing attention across Japan. Takaichi has a record of visiting the shrine at spring and autumn rites and on Aug. 15, the anniversary of Japan’s World War II defeat. In October last year, just before formally assuming the premiership while still serving only as LDP president, she did not visit; instead she paid for a tamagushi offering with her own money.During the 2024 LDP leadership campaign, she pledged that she would visit Yasukuni Shrine if elected prime minister. At a press briefing, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the prime minister will make an appropriate decision on whether to attend the spring rites.#Japan #Takaichi #Yasukuni #VisitYonhap News TV — For inquiries and tips: KakaoTalk/LINE jebo23 Lee Ji-yoon (easyun@yna.co.kr)