Japanese officials

Japan's Land Minister Visits War-Linked Yasukuni Shrine

Japan's land minister, Ibayashi, visited Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, a site associated with the country's militarist past, according to reports dated October 17. The shrine honors Japan's war dead, including figures dealt with after World War II, and visits by senior officials have often provoked criticism from neighboring countries. Initial reports did not give full details on the timing of the visit or any remarks by the minister.