Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine has banned visitors from wearing military costumes and replica uniforms on its grounds, a year-round prohibition announced ahead of Saturday's 81st anniversary of Japan's defeat in the Second World War.
The shrine said the measure aims to preserve solemnity and dignity within its sacred precincts. The restriction does not apply to serving military personnel from Japan and abroad wearing official uniforms. The clarification followed an initial announcement last week that drew a public backlash. Dressing as soldiers has been a practice associated with far-right groups visiting the shrine, and some attendees have worn outfits mimicking Nazi-era German uniforms, prompting concern overseas.
Yasukuni honours 2.5 million war dead, including 14 men convicted as class-A war criminals by the Allies. The enshrinement controversy led wartime Emperor Hirohito to stop visiting. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is not planning to attend this year's anniversary, domestic media reported, after visiting last year.