Japan’s PM sends offering to temple considered symbol of militarism

  Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has sent an offering to the Yasukuni Shinto shrine, which is considered a symbol of militarism in China and several other Asian countries, according to Kyodo news agency.

Takaichi, as Kyodo notes, refrained from making a personal visit to the shrine not to create diplomatic problems with South Korea and China, which react sharply to such pilgrimages. 

Before becoming prime minister, Takaichi regularly visited this shrine twice a year, including as a minister. 

The last time the head of the Japanese government personally made a pilgrimage to Yasukuni was in December 2013, when Shinzo Abe held that position.

The current offering was made on the occasion of the traditional autumn festival celebrated at the shrine.