In the post-War period, up until 1975, Emperor Showa prayed at the Yasukuni Shrine a total of 8 times.

The question of worshipping at the Yasukuni Shrine is left to the independent judgement of Cabinet ministers.

Such things as the textbook controversy, lack of recognition of historical events, and the prime minister's worshipping at the Yasukuni Shrine have caused discord with China.

Prime Minister Koizumi said, "There are people who say that, because it's unconstitutional, I should not pray at the Yasukuni Shrine".