Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda ruled out yesterday a visit to Tokyo's Yasakuni shrine1, seen by many in Asia as a symbol of Japan's past militarism, on the Aug 15 anniversary of the country's surrender in World War II.
Former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi upset China and the Republic of Korea by visiting the shrine when he was in power and Japanese lawmakers, including some serving Cabinet ministers, visit the Shinto shrine each anniversary to honor the war dead.
Asked whether he will go to Yasukuni shrine this month on the 63rd anniversary of Japan's surrender, Fukuda, who will attend the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony this week, told reporters: Please look at my past behavior.
The 72-year-old premier2 vowed3 last year that he would not pay his respects at the shrine, which venerates4 Japan's 2.5 million war dead, including some convicted war criminals.
Finance Minister Bunmei Ibuki, newly appointed in a Cabinet reshuffle last week, also said he would not visit the shrine on the anniversary.
Japan's Jiji Press reported that Justice Minister Okiharu Yasuoka and Agricultural Minister Seiichi Ota were the only two of the Fukuda's 17 Cabinet members who said they planned to visit the shrine on the anniversary.
Questions:
1. In which city is the contentious5 shrine located?
2. What was the name of Japans previous Prime Minister?
3. What is the date of the anniversary of Japans surrender in World War II?
Answers:
1. Tokyo.
2. Junichiro Koizumi .
3. Aug 15.
