The memory of World War II still affects international relations in East Asia. Japan has been criticised for its politics of memory, especially regarding Yasukuni shrine issue. This paper argues that the Japan War-Bereaved Families Association has primarily influenced the Japanese politics of memory due to its strong ties with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan. The Japan War-Bereaved Families Association rose to prominence during the 1950s and 1960s. Since its very beginning, the Japan War-Bereaved Families Association started to push for more state support for the Yasukuni shrine. Since the beginning of the 21st Century, the Japan War-Bereaved Families Association has been struggling with a declining number of members. However, it still tries to keep close relations with Japanese politicians. While the associations' agenda remains mostly unchanged, it lacks the power to influence the Japanese politics of memory as it did for almost six decades
