Aug 16 (the-japan-news.com) - Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made a tamagushi ritual offering at his own expense to Yasukuni Shrine on Tuesday, the 72nd anniversary of the end of World War II.
But Abe, also president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, stopped short of visiting the Shinto shrine in Tokyo, which honors the war dead, including convicted war criminals, and is regarded by China and South Korea as a symbol of Japan's past militarism.
Abe's ritual offering was made through Masahiko Shibayama, special aide to the LDP president.
Abe made the ritual offering without visiting the shrine on the sensitive war-end anniversary for the fifth straight year, apparently showing consideration for China and South Korea.
Shibayama told reporters at the shrine, "Under instructions from our president, I paid tribute to the spirits of the people who sacrificed themselves in the war and renewed my wish for lasting peace."
Meanwhile, about 60 members of a suprapartisan group of lawmakers paid a visit to Yasukuni Shrine on Tuesday.
Source: ANNnewsCH
