The Prime Minister of Japan has announced that he will not proceed with the visit to the Yasukuni Shrine, scheduled for the 15th. The shrine is a symbol of Japanese nationalism, but also a point of controversy with neighboring countries due to its connection to Japan's aggressive past. The decision, taken in the context of ongoing regional tension, reflects the Prime Minister's diplomatic considerations. It is yet to be seen how this decision will resonate within the country - politically and publicly.

Visits to Yasukuni Shrine by Japanese politicians are a particularly sensitive issue. The shrine honors Japan's war dead, including several class-A war criminals from World War II. While some Japanese view these visits as a duty to honor the fallen, others see them as a symbol of the country's wartime aggression. The Prime Minister's decision will undoubtedly spark public, political, and academic discussions on the balance between nationalism, contrition, and foreign relations.

In US or EU, there is generally less controversy when leaders honor their military dead. That said, should there be a location linked to war crimes or controversial figures, it could create a similar situation. In these regions, such issues would also be viewed through the lens of diplomatic ties, public sentiment and historical context - a confluence of factors at play in the decision of Japan's Prime Minister.