Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi made a surprise visit to Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo on Tuesday afternoon, a move that is likely to rekindle anger in South Korea and China -- countries in pivotal positions at a time of mounting concerns over North Korea.
"It's the new year," Koizumi told reporters before leaving the Prime Minister's Official Residence shortly before 2 p.m. for the shrine. "I want to visit (the shrine) with a fresh spirit and in appreciation of peace."
Koizumi said he paid tribute at the shrine "as the prime minister" and to vow that Japan would "never again wage war."