Published: Aug 15, 2026, 14:46 IST | Updated: Aug 15, 2026, 14:46 IST
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a ritual offering to Yasukuni Shrine as Japan marked the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II. Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi also visited the controversial shrine, which honours wartime Japanese leaders, including convicted war criminals. Such visits have previously drawn strong criticism from China and South Korea.