Prime Minister Kishida sends offering to Yasukuni Shrine during autumn festival

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sent a ritual offering to Yasukuni Shrine during its autumn festival, continuing a practice of his predecessors. Kishida's offering was made in his capacity as Prime Minister, but he did not visit the shrine in person. This action has drawn criticism from China and South Korea. Meanwhile, newly elected Liberal Democratic Party leader Sanae Takaichi is expected to refrain from visiting the shrine, reportedly to avoid impacting her potential future diplomatic relations.