August 15 marks the anniversary of Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II. Traditionally, many Japanese prime ministers have commemorated this date by visiting the notorious Yasukuni Shrine, angering the neighbouring countries, which say it also pays homage to war criminals. Former Premier Koizumi was a regular visitor to Yasukuni. But this year, Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda made a point of not going.
Hundreds of Japanese veterans visit the Yasukuni shrine every year