Covering the economic and industrial might of Japan

Koizumi's repeated visits to Yasukuni shring have exasperated relations with South Korea and China.

Koizumi said he would go, every year, and he did. This year, however, was the first time he went on the direct end-of-war anniversary, Aug. 15th. Koizumi made visits in the past on days after Aug. 15th in an attempt to appease Japan's neighbors. Koizumi says he feels frustrated that his gesture went unappreciated by China and South Korea.

On his way out, he chose Aug. 15th this year.

China, with its long history, tends to take a longer view of things. Beijing already has its eye on Koizumi's successor. Abe Shinzo, the predicted winner hasn't decided whether he will go or not and won't state whether he went or not. Sounds like a politician to me.

Last month it was revealed that Emperor Hirohito was displeased that Yasukuni shrine had secretly enshrined 14 class-A war criminals and as a result, he stopped going.

With the Emperor in his corner, Abe Shinzo has plenty of latitude to give up the visits in coming years and still keep everyone happy.

In any event, it will be back to business as usual before long.

China and South Korea, neither one, want to cut those ties with Japan.

What do you think?