A group of about 70 lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties visited Yasukuni Shrine on the same day, reflecting the ongoing controversy over wartime memorials.

Takaichi became the LDP leader on October 4 but faced setbacks after her coalition partner Komeito withdrew support over funding scandals, complicating her path to the premiership.

The LDP is negotiating a new coalition, possibly with the Japan Innovation Party, which could help Takaichi secure a parliamentary majority and become Japan’s fifth prime minister in five years.

Japan's ruling party leader Sanae Takaichi, a conservative and China hawk, avoided visiting the controversial Yasukuni war shrine on the opening day of an autumn festival to prevent upsetting neighboring countries, amid her bid to become prime minister.

Despite her political ambitions, Takaichi chose not to visit the shrine this year, citing her desire to pray from anywhere, amid ongoing sensitivities surrounding wartime remembrance.

The annual autumn festival at Yasukuni Shrine saw 246 officials, including former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, making offerings, with many other LDP figures also visiting, highlighting the shrine's continued significance in Japanese politics.

Takaichi's move to avoid the shrine coincided with the death of former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, known for his 1995 apology for wartime atrocities, underscoring ongoing sensitivities.

Her political situation is further complicated by unresolved US-Japan trade negotiations, upcoming visits from President Donald Trump, and disagreements within her coalition over party funding reforms.

Komeito withdrew support on October 10 over funding scandals, prompting the LDP to consider forming a new coalition with the Japan Innovation Party, which could impact Takaichi’s bid for prime minister.

Opposition parties are considering a rival candidate, but negotiations remain stalled, and policy disagreements, such as JIP's proposal to ban corporate donations, add uncertainty to the leadership race.

Takaichi's potential appointment as prime minister is likely to trigger backlash from China and South Korea, given the controversial status of Yasukuni Shrine.

Her decision not to visit the shrine this year is also influenced by her political ambitions, especially after Komeito's departure, as she seeks new alliances to become Japan's first woman prime minister.