Controversial Visit of Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to Shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited Yasukini Shrine on Tuesday afternoon, in the capacity of the head of Japan. The controversial shrine honors his country`s war criminals of the World War II buried there.

This is the third official visit of the Prime Minister, following the previous two ones on August 13, 2001 and on April 21, 2002.

China and South Korea have voiced their disapproval and anger over Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi`s visit to a controversial shrine. What makes the visit more bitter for Koreans is the timing: it took place only one month before new South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun`s inauguration.

Koizumi told reporters, prior to Tuesday`s visit, "In the new year, I would like to visit the shrine with a new feeling of gratitude about peace and with the thought that we must never start a war again." When asked whether he would visit the shrine in the capacity of Japanese Prime Minister, He replied, "Yes. I visit the shrine as Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi."

Asked how he would explain the visit to China and South Korea, Koizumi said: "I explained last year. I would like them to understand that there`s been no change in the friendship between our nation and theirs."

Young-Ee Lee yes202@donga.com