Several high-ranking members of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) have made a visit to the Yasukuni Shrine. Such visits are traditionally controversial, as the shrine honors Japan's war dead, including several Class-A war criminals from World War II. The date and context of the visit weren't given.

In Japan, visits to Yasukuni Shrine by prominent politicians always stir debate. Some citizens see these visits as a rightful act of respect towards Japan's war dead, while others view them as unnecessary revival of the country's militaristic past. The Japanese pacifist constitution and respect for international relations also come into consideration.

Unlike Japan, the US and EU do not contend with comparable controversies over WWII war criminals as the conflict's victors. For instance, US politicians visiting Arlington National Cemetery or memorials for national military don't court controversy at a domestic or international level.