Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dedicated masakaki, a decorated wooden offering used in Shinto rituals, to Yasukuni Shrine on Thursday, but did not visit the war-linked site for a major biannual ceremony beginning the same day.

Abe is expected to skip visiting the shrine to avoid diplomatic rows. The Reitaisai ceremony continues through Saturday.

Meanwhile, Seiichi Eto, a special adviser to Abe, paid a visit to the shrine, which many in other Asian countries regard as a symbol of Japan's wartime militarism.

During a news conference later in the day, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga declined comment, saying Abe bought and dedicated masakaki in the capacity of a private citizen.

"That was done in the capacity of a private person, and the money did not come from public funds. The government is not in a position to give any comment," Suga said.

On the same day, health and welfare minister Yasuhisa Shiozaki, Lower House Speaker Tadamori Oshima and Upper House president Masaaki Yamasaki also each dedicated a masakaki.

Abe paid a visit to the controversial Tokyo shrine in December 2013, drawing strong protests from leaders in China, South Korea and even the United States.

Abe has not visited the shrine since.

Instead, he has dedicated masakaki for the Reitaisai ceremony, which is held every spring and fall.

Yasukuni Shrine says it enshrines the souls of 2.46 million war dead, mainly soldiers, who "dedicated their lives to the state" during Japan's modern wars.

The list includes 12 Class-A war criminals, including wartime Prime Minister Gen. Hideki Tojo, and two others suspected of war crimes during World War II who died in a detention center before they could be sentenced.

Right-leaning politicians and activists regard the shrine, which served as a spiritual pillar for Japan during World War II, as a symbol of Japan's patriotism.