On August 15, the 81st anniversary of Japan's unconditional surrender in World War II, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a ritual offering to the Yasukuni Shrine, while Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and several other cabinet ministers visited in person.

The shrine lists 14 convicted Class-A war criminals and is seen across Asia as a symbol of Japan's militarist past. Japanese peace activists rallied against the visits. China strongly condemned the actions and lodged solemn representations with Japan.