Yasukuni Shrine Bans Military Cosplay to Curb Ultra-Nationalism

The Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo has implemented a year-round ban on military cosplay to prevent ultra-nationalist groups from using the site for displays of replica army uniforms. The shrine, which honors 2.5 million war dead including 14 convicted class-A war criminals, is viewed as a symbol of militarism by China and South Korea.

Following a backlash from critics concerned the rule would impact active military members, the shrine clarified that serving personnel of the Japan Self-Defense Forces and overseas military forces are exempt from the restriction. The ban precedes the anniversary of Japan's defeat in the second world war.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is not planning to visit the shrine this Saturday. While Takaichi has a hawkish reputation and visited the site last year, she will abstain from the upcoming anniversary event.