Japan PM Ishiba's Shrine Offering Stirs Regional Tensions

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's ritual gesture at Yasukuni Shrine draws criticism from South Korea amid upcoming elections.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba sent a ritual offering to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Japan's war dead, including convicted war criminals.
This marks Ishiba's first offering since taking office earlier this month after the resignation of Fumio Kishida.
The gesture has been met with criticism from South Korea, which views the shrine as a symbol of Japan's militaristic past.
Ishiba's offering comes ahead of a snap election for Japan's lower house of parliament, where his party risks losing its majority.
Relations between Japan and South Korea have seen improvements, but the shrine offering highlights ongoing historical tensions.