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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Koizumi visits Yasukuni Shrine

Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro on October 17 made his fifth visit to Yasukuni Shrine where the Class-A war criminals are enshrined, ignoring strong criticism from inside and outside Japan.

Since he took office as prime minister in 2001, Koizumi has visited Yasukuni Shrine every year.

In this latest visit, Koizumi worshipped in front of the alter at the main chamber. He did not enter the main hall of the shrine or sign the guest book. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hosoda Hiroyuki said that public money was not used for donations or flower decoration.

At a meeting of officials of the government and ruling parties later in the day, Koizumi stressed that he visited the shrine as a private citizen, not as the prime minister.

However, China and Korea have expressed strong protests against his Yasukuni visit.

Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wang Yi visited Foreign Minister Machimura Nobutaka and said, "Japan's leader does not take Japan-China relations seriously. His Yasukuni visit will have a negative influence on the future relationship of our countries."

South Korean Ambassador Ra Jong-yil also met with Machimura and said, "We cannot help expressing surprise and anger at Mr. Koizumi's Yasukuni visit which was made despite our repeated requests to refrain from making such visit."

Lawsuits against the prime minister's Yasukuni visits have been filed throughout Japan. On September 30, the Osaka High Court ruled that his visits are in violation of the constitutional principle of separation of religion and state, supporting the Fukuoka District Court ruling of April 7 2004. -- Akahata, October 18, 2005