Japanese citizens rallied and marched in Tokyo on August 15, the 81st anniversary of Japan's unconditional surrender in World War II, opposing politicians' visits to the Yasukuni Shrine and calling for reflection on Japan's wartime aggression.

The shrine lists 14 convicted Class-A war criminals. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a ritual offering that day, while Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and several other cabinet ministers visited in person.