Japanese people pay tribute at Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo on August 15, 2020. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The Prime Minister avoided a personal visit, which is believed to anger China and South Korea once it occurs. At least two cabinet ministers paid their respects in person at the shrine, which honours 14 Japanese wartime leaders convicted as war criminals by an Allied tribunal as well as war dead, and is seen as a symbol of Japan's past military aggression. This is the first time since 2016 that members of Abe’s cabinet have visited this shrine.

Japan’s relations with China have been strained as China has several times deployed its vessels into disputed waters, which has hindered efforts to improve bilateral ties. Meanwhile, Japan’s relationship with South Korea has been at its lowest for years over compensation for Koreans, who were victims of forced labor during colonial period, and trade disputes following Japan’s tighter export controls.