Fukuda steers clear of war shrine
The Yasukuni war shrine at the heart of the problem
Friday, 15, Aug 2008 01:05
Japan's prime minister has avoided visiting a controversial war shrine on the 63rd anniversary of his country's surrender in the second world war.
Yasuo Fukuda, 72, instead attended a government-organised remembrance ceremony but former prime ministers Shinzo Abe and Junichiro Koizumi, in addition to three current cabinet ministers, did visit the Yasukuni shrine.
The shrine has been accused by its critics of glorifying the Japanese militarism which led, in part, to the suffering of millions of people during the second world war. Convicted war criminals are among the 2.5 million second world war fatalities it honours.
Endorsement of the shrine through a visit remains a politically potent act in Japan today, but refusing to participate can be equally controversial for those who feel pride in Japan's martial past.
Former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi's insistence on repeated visits during his premiership in the five years to 2006 is credited with seriously damaging Japan's relationship with China.
72-year-old Fukuda became prime minister last September after Mr Abe's premiership faltered following disappointing election results.
He attended a remembrance ceremony organised by the government, where the Reuters news agency quoted him as saying: "Our country has inflicted great pain on many nations, especially those in Asia.
"On behalf of the Japanese people, I express my condolences and deep regret to all the victims."
"I pledge that we will all renew our commitment not to fight war and that we will lead the international community as a peaceful... nation to actively establish lasting peace around the world."