Rightwing activists and visitors at Yasukuni Shrine were quick Wednesday to protest the Cabinet's lack of "respect for the war dead" as all but one minister chose to steer clear of the contentious site.
Hundreds of rightwingers flocked to Yasukuni early Wednesday to honor the war dead and commemorate the anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. Many were clad in military garb and waved Hinomaru flags to the rhythm of blaring military marches.
"The war ended (62 years ago) today and it is natural for anyone to pay their respects for the war dead. I don't see why that should even be an issue," said Takenori Igashira of the rightwing group Nihon Kouseisha.