Takaichi’s remarks come as the ruling LDP won a strong majority in the lower house, which could smooth the passage of the administration’s bills.

Takaichi, after the election, said she would seek understanding from the United States and neighboring countries before any Yasukuni Shrine visit, noting the shrine honors war criminals and war dead.

Past Yasukuni Shrine visits by Japanese leaders have sparked backlash from China and South Korea and added to regional tensions.

The Global Times report frames the statements as part of ongoing China–Japan tensions over historical memory and the Yasukuni Shrine issue.

Lin argues that Yasukuni Shrine symbolizes militarism and enshrines 14 Class-A war criminals, raising questions about Japan’s credibility and its China relations.

Lin emphasizes the broader impact: Japan facing its militarist past affects human conscience, China–Japan relations, and Japan’s international credibility.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticizes Yasukuni Shrine as a symbol of militarism that honors war criminals.

China’s Foreign Ministry linked the election outcome to a broader call to honor four-party documents shaping China–Japan ties, urging prudent handling of historical issues.

Lin warns that historical amnesia is betrayal and denying responsibility risks relapse into militarism; Japan should acknowledge and reflect on its past.

China urges Japan to reflect on its aggression as the Tokyo Trials’ 80th anniversary passes, warning that historical amnesia would be betrayal and urging Japan to abstain from actions that could revive militarism.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry calls on Japan to exercise prudence and take concrete steps to break from militarism, in response to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s hints about visiting Yasukuni Shrine.

Spokesperson Lin Jian underscored that honoring the Tokyo Trials’ 80th anniversary requires Japan to confront its war-time aggression and avoid gestures that echo past militarism, particularly around Yasukuni Shrine.