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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 on surrender day

Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro made his sixth visit to Yasukuni Shrine on August 15, marking the 61st anniversary of the end of World War II.

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on the same day issued a statement severely criticizing Koizumi's act. (see separate item)

Koizumi has visited the shrine every year since he took office as prime minister in 2001. Nevertheless, it was the first time that a prime minister visited Yasukuni on August 15 since 1985 when then Prime Minister Nakasone Yasuhiro did so, triggering severe domestic and international criticism.

Wearing a tailcoat, Koizumi entered the shrine's main chamber and bowed once. He signed the guest book as "Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro" and paid 30,000 yen of his own money to offer flowers.

After the shrine visit, Koizumi said to reporters, "Even when I avoided visiting Yasukuni on August 15, I have always been criticized and opposed. Therefore, I determined that August 15 is the appropriate day for a visit."

Asked about criticism from China and South Korea, Koizumi said, "Those who criticize me, in essence, are saying that I should follow what China says and what South Korea says so that Japan can get along with other Asian nations. I don't think that's always the case."

Chief Cabinet Secretary Abe Sinzo expressed his understanding of Koizumi's Yasukuni visit by saying, "I think that the prime minister visited Yasukuni Shrine to offer his sincere condolences for war victims." He also stated that the date for visiting the shrine is "a matter that each individual should decide."

Democratic Party of Japan Secretary General Hatoyama Yukio, referring to the fact that Koizumi had avoided visiting Yasukuni on August 15, stated, "To conduct an Aug.15 visit just before his resignation is deceptive. He should have done that in the first place if he is so confident about visiting the shrine on August 15."
- Akahata, August 16, 2006