Japan PM stays away from war-linked Yasukuni shrine on surrender anniversary

Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited Yasukuni Shrine on the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II, drawing criticism from China and South Korea. The shrine, which honors Japan's war dead, is a sensitive site in the region. The Prime Minister did not visit the shrine, though other senior government members from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party paid respects during the anniversary observance.

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