Ishiba’s Ritual Offering at Yasukuni Shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba performed ‌a traditional ritual at Tokyo’s Yasukuni ‌Shrine on Thursday to mark the beginning of its three-day autumn festival. However, it is unlikely that he will visit the shrine during the festival. The Yasukuni Shrine is seen by neighboring countries as ​a symbol ⁤of⁣ Japan’s past ‌militarism ‌because it ⁤honors Class-A war criminals ⁣alongside fallen ⁤soldiers. Ishiba, who assumed⁣ office on October ‍1st, appears to be ​following in the footsteps of his predecessor Fumio Kishida. ⁤Kishida also made⁣ offerings at the shrine for both its spring‌ and⁣ autumn festivals, as well as participating in the “tamagushi” ritual offering on August 15th, which commemorates‌ Japan’s‍ surrender in World War II.