Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Koizumi visits Yasukuni Shrine, draws protests

Protesters from home and abroad criticized Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi for visiting the Yasukuni memorial Tuesday to honor Japan's World War II dead.

China and South Korea lodged official complaints and opponents of the prime minister staged an all-day media blitz protesting the visit on the anniversary of Japan's surrender during the war.

The house and office of Koichi Kato, a member of Koizumi's own party who also opposed the visit, was burned down late Tuesday. Police investigators said they could not rule out arson in the case. Kato had appeared on television throughout the day criticizing Koizumi.

People visit the Yasukuni Shrine to pay respects to the war dead, marking the 61st anniversary of the end of the WW II in Tokyo, Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2006. Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi prayed at the Yasukuni war shrine Tuesday to mark Tokyo's World War II surrender, triggering immediate protests by China and South Korea but cheering his conservative followers.(AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)
Visitors to the Yasukuni Shrine pay respects to the war dead on the 61st anniversary of the end of the World War II in Tokyo, Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2006. Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi prayed at the Yasukuni war shrine Tuesday.AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye via Yahoo News.