Prime Minister Naoto Kan and all of his ministers have expressed their intention not to visit Yasukuni Shrine on Sunday, the anniversary of the end of World War II, out of consideration for Asian victims of Japanese militarism.
Kan announced in June that he wouldn't visit the Shinto shrine honoring Japan's war dead along with war criminals as long as he is in office. Past Yasukuni visits by prime ministers triggered fierce criticism, most notably from China and South Korea.
"I clearly stated my position" on the issue after assuming office, Kan said at a news conference. "I believe my position will win (people's) understanding."