Japan's Yasukuni Shrine bars individuals dressed in military attire

The Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo is barring the entry of cosplayers and individuals wearing military attire.

Meanwhile, Japanese authorities say whether Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will visit the shrine on the anniversary of the end of World War II is up to her own discretion.

With the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in the Second World War approaching this Saturday, Yasukuni Shrine has introduced new rules on its official website to ban visitors from wearing costumes or military attire, which it defines as including military uniforms and equipment.

The announcement says the measure is intended to "maintain the tranquility and dignity of the sacred grounds where the spirits of the war dead are enshrined" so that all visitors can pay their respects calmly in an atmosphere of peace.

The shrine has been regarded as a symbol of Japanese militarism for enshrining 14 convicted Class-A war criminals. Some Japanese veterans and right-wing groups dressed in old military attire would gather at the shrine on the anniversary of the end of the war each year.

As to whether Takaichi will visit there in person on August 15th, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara says the prime minister will make an appropriate decision on her own.

In previous years, as a lawmaker, former internal affairs minister and economic security minister, the image of Takaichi ascending the steps of the controversial shrine was a fixture during the annual spring and autumn festivals as well as the anniversary of Japan's World War II defeat.

However, she did not attend the shrine's autumn festival last October after being elected as president of the Liberal Democratic Party, nor did Takaichi visit during its spring festival this April as she assumed the premiership, instead sending a ritual offering and paying a monetary fee.

China has condemned Japan's negative developments concerning Yasukuni Shrine, blasting them as a blatant provocation to international justice and an affront to human conscience.

It warns Japan's emerging new militarism will pose a threat to world peace and stability, and that the international community must resolutely strike back to nip its revival.