Running the gauntlet at Yasukuni

[thomas]

It has happened again: PM Koizumi has paid the obligatory visit to the Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo. Earlier than usual to avoid stir, nevertheless prompting strong reactions from Asian neighbours.

Latest news: http://forum.japanreference.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=222

What's your opinion on this annual ritual? Is it just a religious/national obligation? Or do you understand Japan's furious neighbours who view this ritual as highly provocative?

Btw, here's the link to the shrine's official web site

=> http://www.japanreference.com/cgi-bin/jump.cgi?ID=583

[thomas]

Observation by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on the Visit to Yasukuni Shrine

=> http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/pm/koizumi/observe0204.html

It's interesting to see that there are obviously quite a few Japanese opposing the PMs visit to Yasukuni. Japan Today (http://www.japanreference.com/cgi-bin/jump.cgi?ID=3185) asked passers-by for their opinion

=> http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=popvox&id=239

[thomas]

Tokyo shrine museum reopens

=> http://abc.net.au/ra/newstories/RANewsStories_606302.htm