farkel comments

You are missing the point I am making---1st of course any one can pay respects ---It is a matter for the Japanese people to decide--But Abe is the Prime Minister of this country---and by choosing to go there--officially, he makes a political statement. He understands this, and decided to go anyway. So from his point of view--honoring his ancestors is more important than other historical considerations. I disagree. 2nd, there are plenty of examples of prejudice in this country as well as China, Korea, America and the rest of the world, as playing soccer in empty stadiums attests too. This is my 25th year in Japan, I love this country but there is enough hatred in this world, and it seems to me when I see forums like this, that we are losing the courtesy and respect that are so basic to Japanese culture

And yet he chose to visit Yasukuni--knowing that the Chinese and Koreans would object---There are many ways to honor the spirits of dead soldiers who have fallen. He may believe that the two issues are unrelated but I do not agree with him.