Japan`s Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro Will Worship in Shrine before Or after 8.15

Koizumi Junichiro, the Prime Minister of Japan, is strongly considering to worship at the Yaskuni temple before or after the 8.15.

Huyushiba Dezjo, the president of the Komeito, a member of the ruling coalition, said yesterday that, ``The Prime Minster seems to want to worship avoiding the day of 8.15.`` And Japanese newspapers also started reporting the Prime Minister is considering to worship except for on the day of 8.15.

Consequently, the Prime Minister is reviewing the plan to pay his reverence to the shrine on Aug 13 or 14 before 8.15 or after the 8.15.

The ruling coalition requested him to worship in the shrine before the 8.15 but China demanded to pay the reverence after the 8.15.

Shim Kyu-Sun ksshim@donga.com