Japan's Takaichi skips controversial Yasukuni Shrine visit on anniversary of World War II surrender

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stayed away from Yasukuni Shrine on the 81st anniversary of World War II surrender, addressing that Japan contributes to global peace while avoiding discussion of wartime atrocities. She mourned victims in Hiroshima, Nagasaki and Okinawa, and those who perished overseas. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and executives from Takaichi's governing party visited the controversial shrine earlier on.