Nishimura, Election Chief of Japan's Ruling Party, Visits Yasukuni Shrine

TOKYO — Nishimura, who handles election affairs for Japan's ruling party, has visited Yasukuni Shrine, according to a report dated October 17 from the Kyodo news agency.

Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo is seen as a controversial symbol in the region because it honors those who died in Japan's wars, including some figures who were dealt with after World War II.

Visits by Japanese officials, particularly cabinet members or ruling party leaders, often draw reactions from China and South Korea — two countries that suffered heavily during Japan's militarist era.

Full details on the timing, the composition of the visiting group and Nishimura's remarks at the shrine were not fully disclosed in the initial report.