The Japanese Government has repeatedly accused victims of Japan's World War II atrocities of dwelling in the past. It never bothers to ask itself whether it has squarely faced its war-time history.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi declared on Tuesday his intention to continue his annual visits to the Yasukuni Shrine despite strong opposition from Asian nations.

He made these remarks at a meeting with leaders from Japan's financial circles who expected their prime minister to create an atmosphere favourable to Sino-Japanese high-level exchanges.

Koizumi insisted he is undeterred by international condemnation as his shrine visits are based, in his own words, on "nothing but his political belief."

Koizumi's words are ironic, if not downright cynical, considering that Yasukuni, which means "peaceful country," extols the deeds of men who prosecuted wars of aggression in East Asia.

He has pledged to pay homage every year to the controversial shrine where 2.5 million Japanese war dead - including 14 Class-A war criminals - are honoured.

The fact that the prime minister visits Yasukuni as the representative of the nation displays a keen lack of awareness of, and insensitivity to, others who have felt the pain of Japan's aggression.

Each of his four visits to the shrine since he assumed Japanese leadership in 2001 have drawn broad indignation and criticism both at home and abroad.

Koizumi's "political belief" also clearly shows his disdain for Japan's constitutional principle of the separation of religion and state.

Surely Koizumi is well aware of the sensitivity surrounding his visits when he arrives in a government vehicle in an official capacity.

His tough attitude mirrors his political orientation which sits well with some segments of Japanese society, notably the right.

So does he fully understand how his irresponsible words and deeds can derail diplomatic relations with Japan's neighbours?

With Japan pursuing a bigger role on the international stage, Koizumi's shrine visits could alienate the country from its neighbours instead of winning their support.

Source: China Daily