Sanae Takaichi, the new leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, is considering skipping a visit to Tokyo’s war-linked Yasukuni Shrine during its autumn festival set to be held between Oct. 17 and 19, sources have said.
Takaichi has often visited the Shinto shrine during its spring and autumn festivals and on the Aug. 15 anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, including at times when she held ministerial posts.
This time, however, she is apparently taking into account the impact any visit might have ahead of busy diplomatic schedule later this month and how it could hurt relations with Komeito, the LDP’s coalition partner, if she is elected prime minister, as is widely expected, the sources said. Komeito has expressed concern over her Yasukuni visits.
AloJapan.com