Yasukuni Shrine bans military-style clothing and cosplay

Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo has implemented a year-round policy banning military-style clothing and cosplay on its grounds. The shrine stated the measure aims to maintain a peaceful environment for worship following an increase in visitors wearing military attire without official affiliation or qualification.

Following concerns that the rule might affect active-duty personnel, the shrine issued a clarification stating that the ban does not apply to members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, foreign military personnel, or others required to wear uniforms as part of their official duties. The shrine noted that while visits by actual wartime veterans in period uniforms have dwindled, there has been a rise in individuals wearing replica military outfits.

The shrine, which enshrines Japan’s war dead including Class-A war criminals, remains a site of significant geopolitical tension. Its history often draws criticism from China and South Korea, which view the site as a symbol of Japan’s militaristic past.