Prominent Japanese politicians considered front-runners to be the next prime minister visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine on Friday, the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.

According to Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who is viewed as the next potential leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, visited the shrine in Tokyo on Friday.

Former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, another contender for the prime minister’s seat, also visited the shrine as expected. 

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba did not visit but sent a ritual offering instead.

The Yasukuni Shine honors Japanese war dead, including 14 Class A war criminals.