Kishida's shrine offering condemned by neighbors

TOKYO－Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday sent a ritual offering to the notorious Yasukuni Shrine for its spring festival, a move that has drawn strong criticism from neighboring countries.

The Japanese leader will not, however, visit the shrine during the festival, taking the same approach as when he offered a tree offering, known as masakaki, shortly after the liberal-leaning politician became prime minister in October last year.

Visits and ritual offerings made in person or by proxy to the infamous shrine by Japanese leaders, officials and lawmakers have sparked strong criticism from countries including China and South Korea.