Routledge - Political Survival and Yasukuni in Japan-China Relations

Explore the complex relationship between Japanese leadership and China through the lens of the Yasukuni Shrine controversy. This book examines how the need for political survival influences the decisions of Japanese prime ministers when facing diplomatic tension. By analyzing the actions of key leaders, the text provides a detailed look at why certain prime ministers chose different paths. You will learn about Nakasone Yasuhiro, Hashimoto Ryutaro, and Abe Shinzo, who complied with Chinese demands and stopped visiting the shrine in 1986, 1997, and 2007. In contrast, the study looks at the period between 2001 and 2006 when Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro maintained his determination to pay regular annual homage, leading to intensified controversy. This academic work is an essential resource for students and researchers interested in Asian politics and the historical tensions that shape modern international relations. It offers a clear breakdown of how domestic political pressure can dictate foreign policy decisions in East Asia.