Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited Yasukuni Shrine on Monday, two days before the Aug. 15 anniversary of the end of World War II.

Both Beijing and Seoul had constantly called for the prime minister not to visit the shrine on Aug. 15. But the fact remains that it is basically a domestic matter as to when and how country's leader offers prayers to the war dead based on the traditions and customs of that country. Other countries have no right to interfere.

China reportedly had unofficially proposed that Koizumi visit the shrine on or after Thursday. If Koizumi had fallen in line with that request, it would have given the impression that Koizumi had given in to pressure from China.

It is unfortunate to see Japan's relations with China and South Korea sour over the question of prime ministerial visits to Yasukuni Shrine, something that happens nearly every year. It is also unfortunate that the Japanese people themselves are divided over the issue. We need to deal with these problems immediately.

It is natural for national leaders to pay their respects to those who made the supreme sacrifice defending their countries. It is something that all national leaders do.

To achieve a breakthrough on the Yasukuni issue, which has become increasingly politicized and more confusing, it is worth studying the idea of constructing a nonreligious national memorial at which leaders of other countries can pay their respects.

-- The Yomiuri Shimbun, Tokyo