NHK reported this morning that LDP Policy Research Council head Hagiuda visited Yasukuni Shrine this morning to mark the anniversary of the end of World War II, saying that Hagiuda told the press after the visit: “I paid my utmost respects to the souls of those who died in the war and reiterated my pledge to work toward eternal peace.” Hagiuda reportedly paid the fee for a ritual offering to the shrine out of his own pocket. The network noted that Hagiuda also visited the shrine last year on Aug. 15 when he was education minister. According to the network, former Minister for the Environment Koizumi and Parliamentary Vice Minister of the Cabinet Office Suzuki Eikei also paid a visit to the shrine earlier today. 

All commercial networks also reported at noon that Minister for Economic Security Takaichi and Minister for Reconstruction Akiba visited the shrine today. Meanwhile, the networks said Prime Minister Kishida refrained from visiting and instead paid the fee for a ritual offering to the shrine.