Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's surprise visit to Yasukuni Shrine on Sunday once again brought to the fore a dilemma that emerges every time a Japanese prime minister visits the shrine, which is dedicated to the spirits of 2.5 million war dead as well as those of Class A war criminals. The dilemma, of course, is that the prime minister cannot worship there without stirring up criticism at home and abroad.
Mr. Koizumi tried to deflect the criticism by visiting the shrine at the outset of its three-day spring festival instead of on the Aug. 15 anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II. Earlier in the day, he told reporters: "I believe this is the best time to go because I can pray quietly and with sincerity without creating a sense of concern here or abroad." He made it clear that he will not visit Yasukuni on or around Aug. 15.
Sunday's visit, however, inevitably caused sharp reactions, including some from China and South Korea. It would have been better if he had canceled the visit altogether.