National News

Abe skips Yasukuni, but sends offering

音声ダウンロード

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dedicated a ceremonial tree offering April 21 to contentious Yasukuni Shrine as it kicked off its annual spring ceremony the same day -- a move likely to further anger old war foes China and South Korea.

The offering of the masakaki, a decorative tree used in Shinto rituals at the war-linked shrine, came just days before U.S. President Barack Obama's visit here.

Abe's visit to Yasukuni in December drew unusual criticism from the United States, which expressed "disappointment" with the move. (The Japan Times)

安倍首相が靖国神社に供物、参拝見送り

安倍晋三首相は４月21日、春季例大祭が始まった靖国神社に真榊を奉納したが、大祭中の参拝は見送った。昨年12月の安倍首相の参拝はアメリカから強い批判を招いた。

The Japan Times ST: May 2, 2014