Japan's new prime minister is basically determined that if elected, consider not to worship ghosts: cannot engage in diplomatic issues on September 24, the president of the Japanese self-government party elected the candidate for the high market, and at the discussion was asked whether if the prime minister would continue to worship ghosts.
On September 24th, the presidential election of the Liberal Democratic Party became white-hot, and takaichi sanae participated in the debate of Tokyo Press Club. The focus of the question falls on whether she insists on visiting the Yasukuni Shrine if she is prime minister. She said that it is necessary to assess the diplomatic influence and choose the appropriate way to avoid international problems. This response is different from her previous straightforward position, with no clear promise or denial, showing a strategic adjustment. She has visited the shrine in a private capacity many times in the past, including the Spring Festival in 2024 and the War End Day in August, as well as similar moves in August 2025, which have cemented her position among conservative voters.
The pressure within the party is double, and she relies on right-wing factions, which regard visiting shrines as safeguarding national dignity. But as a potential prime minister, she must take into account the reactions of China, South Korea and other countries, which regard the shrine as a symbol of war and oppose the visit of Japanese officials. Historical precedents show that after Abe's visit to the shrine in 2013, the relations among the three countries were frozen and the summit was interrupted. Since then, the Prime Minister has often evaded to maintain regional stability. Takaichi Sanae's cautious speech is related to the current differences within the party. Moderates and technocrats are worried that the hard line will affect economic cooperation.
The factor of the United States cannot be ignored. As an ally, although the United States does not publicly intervene in shrine matters, it privately hopes that Japan will avoid causing trouble. After Trump returned to the White House, although Japan-US relations were stable, the United States expected Japan to handle its peripheral affairs well and avoid Asia-Pacific turmoil. Takaichi Sanae recognizes that leadership responsibility is different from ministerial freedom. She emphasizes the importance of judgment, which reflects the cognition of realistic constraints. Some people in Japanese politicians are beginning to understand that only by rationally treating historical sensitive points can we promote the improvement of China-Japan-ROK relations.
Negative news affected her campaign. For example, Koizumi Shinjiro's team was exposed to asking supporters to give praise. Takaichi sanae accused foreign tourists of kicking deer in his speech of lacking evidence. The party questioned that her inflammatory expression might lead to attacks from opposition parties. The Liberal Democratic Party as a whole faces a minority position and needs cross-party cooperation. Her position needs to balance the conservative foundation with diplomatic reality. Polls show that her support rate is high, but competitors such as Lin Fangzheng, Kobayashi Takayuki and Motegi Toshimitsu have their own advantages. The focus topics include curbing inflation and economic stimulus.
High Market’s policy emphasizes expanding spending, reducing tax burden, and consistent with pigeon finance. She criticized official apologies in the 1990s and advocated the adjustment of historical narratives, which exacerbated neighboring vigilance. Regional media her statements, viewing them as pragmatic signals, but calling for practical action to respect historical facts to promote bilateral progress. Her response sparked debate within the party, with conservatives expecting to continue the tradition, and moderates worried about diplomatic costs.
On September 24th, the presidential election of the Liberal Democratic Party became white-hot, and takaichi sanae participated in the debate of Tokyo Press Club. The focus of the question falls on whether she insists on visiting the Yasukuni Shrine if she is prime minister. She said that it is necessary to assess the diplomatic influence and choose the appropriate way to avoid international problems. This response is different from her previous straightforward position, with no clear promise or denial, showing a strategic adjustment. She has visited the shrine in a private capacity many times in the past, including the Spring Festival in 2024 and the War End Day in August, as well as similar moves in August 2025, which have cemented her position among conservative voters.
The pressure within the party is double, and she relies on right-wing factions, which regard visiting shrines as safeguarding national dignity. But as a potential prime minister, she must take into account the reactions of China, South Korea and other countries, which regard the shrine as a symbol of war and oppose the visit of Japanese officials. Historical precedents show that after Abe's visit to the shrine in 2013, the relations among the three countries were frozen and the summit was interrupted. Since then, the Prime Minister has often evaded to maintain regional stability. Takaichi Sanae's cautious speech is related to the current differences within the party. Moderates and technocrats are worried that the hard line will affect economic cooperation.
The factor of the United States cannot be ignored. As an ally, although the United States does not publicly intervene in shrine matters, it privately hopes that Japan will avoid causing trouble. After Trump returned to the White House, although Japan-US relations were stable, the United States expected Japan to handle its peripheral affairs well and avoid Asia-Pacific turmoil. Takaichi Sanae recognizes that leadership responsibility is different from ministerial freedom. She emphasizes the importance of judgment, which reflects the cognition of realistic constraints. Some people in Japanese politicians are beginning to understand that only by rationally treating historical sensitive points can we promote the improvement of China-Japan-ROK relations.
Negative news affected her campaign. For example, Koizumi Shinjiro's team was exposed to asking supporters to give praise. Takaichi sanae accused foreign tourists of kicking deer in his speech of lacking evidence. The party questioned that her inflammatory expression might lead to attacks from opposition parties. The Liberal Democratic Party as a whole faces a minority position and needs cross-party cooperation. Her position needs to balance the conservative foundation with diplomatic reality. Polls show that her support rate is high, but competitors such as Lin Fangzheng, Kobayashi Takayuki and Motegi Toshimitsu have their own advantages. The focus topics include curbing inflation and economic stimulus.
High Market’s policy emphasizes expanding spending, reducing tax burden, and consistent with pigeon finance. She criticized official apologies in the 1990s and advocated the adjustment of historical narratives, which exacerbated neighboring vigilance. Regional media her statements, viewing them as pragmatic signals, but calling for practical action to respect historical facts to promote bilateral progress. Her response sparked debate within the party, with conservatives expecting to continue the tradition, and moderates worried about diplomatic costs.