Sunday marked the 76 years of Japan's surrender in World War II. On the anniversary, three&nbsp;Japanese cabinet ministers were seen visiting a shrine that neighbouring nations consider a symbol of Tokyo's former militarism.

While Suga himself did not visit the shrine, according to a report by the Sankei newspaper, he reportedly sent a ritual offering through his secretary.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/torrential-rains-lash-wide-areas-of-japan-three-feared-dead-after-landslide-405605">Also read |&nbsp;Torrential rains lash wide areas of Japan, three feared dead after landslide</a>

In commemoration of the end of World War Two, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged Japan would never again wage war.&nbsp;

"Since the end of the war, Japan has consistently walked the path of a country that values peace," Suga said in a speech at a memorial ceremony in Tokyo. "We must never again repeat the devastation of war. We will continue to remain committed to this conviction."

The visit of Suga's minister came after two other cabinet members, including Japan's defence minister, visited the&nbsp;Yasukuni&nbsp;Shrine&nbsp;on Friday, sparking outrage in China and South Korea.&nbsp;Earlier today, China's Association of Performing Arts also boycotted Chinese actor Zhang Zhehanthe for visiting the shrine.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-boycotts-actor-after-photos-of-visit-to-japans-yasukuni-shrine-405647">China boycotts actor after photos of visit to Japan's Yasukuni Shrine</a>

Even after almost&nbsp;eight decades since the end of the war, the conflict continues to cause friction between Japan and its neighbours, particularly China and North and South Korea, with the Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo at&nbsp;the focal point of the conflict.

Japan's Yasukuni Shrine honours&nbsp;2.5 million&nbsp;war dead, including 14 Second World War leaders convicted as "Class A" war criminals, which has made it a flashpoint for tension.&nbsp;

While the Koreans remain bitter over Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945, the Chinese remain resentful of Japan's invasion and brutal occupation of parts of China from 1931 to 1945.

Conservatives say leaders should be able to commemorate the war dead, similar to the many Japanese who pay respect to relatives at the shrine

Despite this, China and both Koreas have expressed opposition due to the inclusion of war criminals among those honoured at Yasukuni.

China's foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying while reacting angrily to Sunday's visit, said:&nbsp;"The actions of some Japanese politicians on the issue of the Yasukuni Shrine are a blasphemy of historical justice and serious injury to the feelings of the people from victimised countries in Asia, including China.".

(With inputs from agencies)

Sunday marked the 76 years of Japan's surrender in World War II. On the anniversary, three Japanese cabinet ministers were seen visiting a shrine that neighbouring nations consider a symbol of Tokyo's former militarism.

Sunday marked the 76 years of Japan's surrender in World War II. On the anniversary, three Japanese cabinet ministers were seen visiting a shrine that neighbouring nations consider a symbol of Tokyo's former militarism. While Suga himself did not visit the shrine, according to a report by the Sankei newspaper, he reportedly sent a ritual offering through his secretary. Also read | Torrential rains lash wide areas of Japan, three feared dead after landslide In commemoration of the end of World War Two, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged Japan would never again wage war. "Since the end of the war, Japan has consistently walked the path of a country that values peace," Suga said in a speech at a memorial ceremony in Tokyo. "We must never again repeat the devastation of war. We will continue to remain committed to this conviction." The visit of Suga's minister came after two other cabinet members, including Japan's defence minister, visited the Yasukuni Shrine on Friday, sparking outrage in China and South Korea. Earlier today, China's Association of Performing Arts also boycotted Chinese actor Zhang Zhehanthe for visiting the shrine. Also read | China boycotts actor after photos of visit to Japan's Yasukuni Shrine Even after almost eight decades since the end of the war, the conflict continues to cause friction between Japan and its neighbours, particularly China and North and South Korea, with the Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo at the focal point of the conflict. Japan's Yasukuni Shrine honours 2.5 million war dead, including 14 Second World War leaders convicted as "Class A" war criminals, which has made it a flashpoint for tension. While the Koreans remain bitter over Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945, the Chinese remain resentful of Japan's invasion and brutal occupation of parts of China from 1931 to 1945. Conservatives say leaders should be able to commemorate the war dead, similar to the many Japanese who pay respect to relatives at the shrine Despite this, China and both Koreas have expressed opposition due to the inclusion of war criminals among those honoured at Yasukuni. China's foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying while reacting angrily to Sunday's visit, said: "The actions of some Japanese politicians on the issue of the Yasukuni Shrine are a blasphemy of historical justice and serious injury to the feelings of the people from victimised countries in Asia, including China.". (With inputs from agencies)

As ministers visit controversial shrine, Japanese PM Suga vows not to wage another war

japan-and-its-neighbours

Japan And Its Neighbours, News on Japan And Its Neighbours, stories on Japan And Its Neighbours, articles on Japan And Its Neighbours, Japan And Its Neighbours stories at Wion, Japan And Its Neighbours news, Japan And Its Neighbours latest news

japan and-its-neighbours

As ministers visit controversial shrine, Japanese PM Suga vows not to wage another war