Since Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi took office in 2001, Japan has faced diplomatic spats with China and South Korea over his visits to Yasukuni Shrine. On Oct. 17, Koizumi made his fifth Yasukuni visit as prime minister, as Japan's relations with the two neighbors soured.
At the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum held Nov. 18-19 in Pusan, South Korea, a much-expected Sino-Japanese summit did not materialize. There is growing concern that discord between the two major powers could dampen Asia's economic prosperity.
Koizumi contends he visits Yasukuni to renew a pledge of "no war." His advisers have failed to dissuade him from visiting the shrine, while he enjoys growing public support in his fifth year in office.