Avoid Angering Neighbors! Koike Sanae to Skip Yasukuni Shrine Visit on War End Day, Shrine Bans WWII Military Uniforms

According to multiple sources within the Japanese government and ruling party, Prime Minister Koike Sanae has decided not to visit the Yasukuni Shrine in Kudanminami, Tokyo, on August 15—known as 'War End Memorial Day' or Victory over Japan Day. Sources indicate that Koike is likely to follow the precedent set by former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and others, offering a monetary offering in her capacity as President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), rather than visiting in person. This approach aims to balance support from conservative party members while avoiding major diplomatic fallout.

Notably, due to the shrine's controversial enshrinement of multiple Class A war criminals from World War II, the Yasukuni Shrine announced on the 12th via its official website that it will immediately ban visitors or worshippers from engaging in cosplay or wearing military uniforms—especially those of the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy during WWII—on its premises.

The shrine explained that with over 80 years having passed since the end of WWII, the number of actual veterans who served and wear their original uniforms to the shrine has dwindled significantly. In recent years, the management has repeatedly observed the 'strange phenomenon' of individuals with no military background wearing old military uniforms to pay respects. To prevent unnecessary controversy or disturbances, the shrine has decided to implement this ban.

Every year on August 15—the day marking Japan's unconditional surrender at the end of WWII—members of the public often enter the Yasukuni Shrine wearing uniforms of the former Imperial Japanese Army and Navy, sometimes equipped with period gear or political slogans. These individuals frequently attract public and media attention. The shrine emphasized that the new rule is not limited to specific dates like August 15 but applies year-round at all times.

However, the shrine's management clarified that active-duty members of Japan's Self-Defense Forces or other national militaries are exempt and permitted to wear their official uniforms when visiting the shrine. The shrine stated that the core purpose of this restriction is to maintain the solemnity and dignity expected within its grounds, urging all visitors to observe the new policy.