South Korea Regrets Takaichi's Offering to Controversial War Shrine

On October 17, 2026, the South Korean government voiced its disappointment regarding Japanese Minister Sanae Takaichi's ritual offering to the Yasukuni Shrine, a site often criticized for its association with Japan's militaristic past.

Takaichi sent the offering to commemorate the Yasukuni Shrine's autumn festival, which lasts for three days. Despite this gesture, she has chosen not to visit the shrine in person, according to reports from Kyodo News.

The Yasukuni Shrine honors approximately 2.46 million Japanese war dead, including 14 individuals convicted as Class A war criminals after World War II. This has made the shrine a focal point of contention between Japan and its neighbors, particularly South Korea.

In response, South Korea's foreign ministry reiterated its deep disappointment, stating that such actions glorify Japan's past aggressions and enshrine war criminals. They urged Japanese leaders to confront history with humility and remorse.

The ministry emphasized that acknowledging the past is crucial for fostering a future-oriented relationship based on trust between South Korea and Japan.