Japan's PM says cabinet can visit WWII shrine

Abe is widely expected to stay away himself from the Yasukuni shrine on 15th August. Past visits by premiers have infuriated China and South Korea, which see the site as a symbol of Japanese militarism.

"It is up to ministers to decide whether to visit the shrine. I think they will make their own decisions based on their beliefs," Abe told reporters.

Lawmakers regularly visit the shrine on 15th August, although news reports have said that no cabinet ministers plan to go this year amid improving ties with Beijing and Seoul.

The Yasukuni shrine honours 2.5 million Japanese war dead including colonial subjects and -- most controversially -- 14 leading WWII war criminals.

Abe's predecessor Junichiro Koizumi prayed annually at Yasukuni and last year went on August 15, a day on which Japanese mourn the war dead and when veterans and nationalists converge on the shrine.

Koizumi said he was mourning all war dead, not war criminals, but China and South Korea refused to hold any summits with Koizumi due to the row.

Abe is known for his conservative views on history and frequently visited the Yasukuni shrine in the past. But since becoming premier he has refused to say if he will go.

Through his strategic silence, Abe has helped repair relations with China and South Korea, which he credits as one of his major achievements. - DDNEWS