The concept of a new national memorial for the war dead, on ice for years for political reasons, has returned to the spotlight as Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi finds himself in a regional diplomatic deadlock.
But despite growing attention for the proposal, it is unlikely the idea would put an end to Tokyo's diplomatic woes even if it were to be adopted, largely because Koizumi appears determined to continue his contentious visits to Yasukuni Shrine, according to political insiders.
"So far, the prime minister has kept speaking based on his belief that he should go" to the Tokyo shrine, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroyuki Hosoda said Tuesday. "We need more discussion to make a decision" regarding a new memorial.