Every now and then, while skimming the paper I find news like this.
While I understand that the LDP must ensure the support of the conservatives at home; to my view that is already covered: schoolbooks portraying World War II in a softer way, the drifting away from pacifism, etc.
Why infuriate your neighbours constantly by visiting the Yasukuni shrine? It seems to me that is simply an easy and effective way to anger their Pacific enemies and alienate potential allies (e.g. South Korea).
I'm well aware that visiting the shrine is consistent with the overall attitude of the current Japanese government. However, seems unnecessary and harmful to Japan's ties with allies, including the U.S.
Am I missing anything? Is there a reason behind this traditional flashy provocation or they just never passed Geopolitics 101?