Prime Minister Shinzo Abe chose not to visit Yasukuni Shrine last month during its spring festival but did make a 50,000 yen private offering, a Yasukuni spokeswoman said Tuesday.
By taking this step instead of going to the shrine, Abe apparently hoped to avoid harsh criticism from Asia and appeared to be acknowledging warming relations with China, as seen in Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Japan from April 11 to 13.
"I want to keep on showing respect for those who fought for the country and died, and praying for their souls," Abe said in the evening, confirming his offering. He declined to comment on the details.