politics
Japan bans military cosplay at key war shrine ahead of second world war anniversary
Ban at Yasukuni shrine comes amid increasing visits by nationalist groups appearing in military style dress
TL;DR
- Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo has banned military cosplay.
- The ban is a response to increased visits by ultra-nationalist groups in replica military uniforms.
- The shrine honors 2.5 million Japanese soldiers and civilians who died in wars.
- The ban applies year-round but is highlighted ahead of the anniversary of Japan's WWII defeat (VJ Day).
- Serving members of Japan's Self-Defense Forces and overseas military personnel are exempt from the ban.
- Past shrine visits by Japanese leaders have caused diplomatic tensions with China and South Korea.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is reportedly not planning to visit the shrine on the anniversary.
- The imperial family has avoided Yasukuni since Emperor Hirohito stopped visiting after the war criminal enshrinement controversy.