Sanae Takaichi on Yasukuni Shrine

Sanae Takaichi's position on Yasukuni Shrine is characterized by her actions surrounding visits, which have drawn sharp criticism from neighboring countries like China and South Korea. Following her election or ascension within the government, her potential or actual visits became a focal point for regional diplomatic tension, as the shrine honors convicted war criminals alongside other war dead. The focus has often been on whether she will make an official visit, a move typically seen as highly provocative by nations that suffered under Japan's wartime aggression.

While some reports indicated hope that Takaichi might avoid a visit amid political tussles, her history suggests a willingness to engage with sites viewed as sensitive. The implications of her stance are significant for Japan's foreign relations, particularly with Seoul and Beijing, where such acts are interpreted as a lack of remorse for past militarism. Her approach to the issue thus becomes a barometer for the broader government's historical perspective in East Asia.