Fukuda stays away from shrine

TOKYO, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda Friday chose to stay away from Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, honoring both Japan's war dead and war criminals.

But three state ministers visited the facility on the day marking the 63rd anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II.

Fukuda, who had earlier indicated he would not visit the controversial shrine, instead placed flowers at a nearby national cemetery honoring unknown soldiers and civilians who died overseas during the war, Kyodo news service reported.

Agriculture Minister Seiichi Ota, one of the three ministers to visit Yasukni, was quoted as saying his visit was not official. "I visited the shrine as I hope those who gave their lives in past wars will rest in peace."

Japan's neighbors, including China and South Korea, see the shrine as a symbol of Japan's past militarism and resent Japanese leaders visiting the shrine.

Japan's relations with China and South Korea were strained during former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who visited the shrine.