Koizumi stirs ire of Asian neighbours
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, stirring the ire of close Asian neighbours.
Yasukuni Shrine is devoted to remembering Japan’s 2.5 million war dead who have died since 1853, including the 14 war criminals, including wartime prime minister Hideki Tojo, viewed responsible for the deaths of millions during World War II.
Both China and the two Koreas strongly objected to the New Year’s visit to the war shrine.
Koizumi’s visit is his fourth since coming to power.
Koizumi said he wanted to pray for peace at the shrine: “I went with various feelings, including wishes for Japan’s peace and prosperity.
“Japan does not rest solely upon the efforts of people living now.
“Japan stands upon the sacrifices of others in the past.”
But China’s vice foreign minister Wang Yi expressed “righteous indignation” over the visit, which had taken place “regardless of the opposition of the peoples of China and Asia.”
South Korean foreign ministry said in a statement: “We cannot but be concerned and angered.”
