Koizumi's war shrine visit widely criticized in Japan

People shout slogans during a rally to protest against Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's insistence on visiting the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine, in front of Koizumi's official residence in Tokyo, Aug. 11, 2006. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    TOKYO, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visit to the Yasukuni Shrine on Tuesday drew wide protests from coalition and opposition parties, politicians, civil groups as well as peaceloving people in Japan.

Japanese leaders criticize Koizumi's shrine visit

    TOKYO, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- Japanese political leaders on Tuesday criticized Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visit to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors 14 Japanese Class-A war criminals from World War II, reported Kyodo News.

Japanese civil group protests against shrine visit

    TOKYO, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Japan-China Friendship Association said on Tuesday that it strongly protested against Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visit to the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine on Aug. 15.

Japanese war-dead kin group protests against shrine visit

    TOKYO, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- A Japanese group Nippon Izokukai, also known as the Japan War-Bereaved Families Association, said Tuesday that it strongly protested against Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visit to the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine earlier in the day.

Foreign groups protest against Koizumi's shrine visit

    TOKYO, Aug 13 (Xinhua) -- Civil groups from South Korea, Japan and China's Taiwan gathered here on Sunday, protesting against Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's Yasukuni Shrine visit, and demanding that Japan set up a correct view on its history of aggression against Asian countries.

ROK parties protest against Koizumi's planned shrine visit

    SEOUL, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Politicians of South Korean ruling and opposition parties on Monday protested Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's planned visit to the Yasukuni Shrine and called the government to take stern measures against Koizumi's move.

Japanese civil group urges Koizumi to stop shrine visit

People holding candles and a banner march during a rally to protest against Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's insistence on visiting the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, capital of Japan, Aug. 12, 2006. Civic group members from Japan, South Korea and China's Taiwan on Saturday protested against Koizumi's upcoming visit to the Yasukuni Shrine.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    TOKYO, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Japan-China Friendship Association on Friday urged Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to stop paying visit to the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine following the news that he has suggested going there on Aug. 15, a particularly sensitive anniversary.

Japan PM's lame arguments find no justification for shrine visit

    BEIJING, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Tuesday paid his sixth visit since taking office to the Yasukuni Shrine which honors Japan's notorious World War II war criminals, arousing strong domestic and international criticism.

Related: Koizumi visits Yasukuni Shrine