Japan Goes Beyond Yasukuni? Kan Forgos a Visit

At the August 15th ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II, Japan has stepped out of its war shadow, at least for now.

The Democratic Party of Japan government led by Prime Minister Naoto Kan has decided not to visit Yasukuni shrine, his whole Ministers also got the message, no one from his 17-member cabinet went to Yasukuni. The first time in 25 years.

"We feel deep regret, and we offer our sincere feelings of condolence to those who suffered and their families," PM Kan said at a commemoration ceremony attended by the Japanese Emperor Akihito.

The conservative Liberal Democratic Party has strong words for Kan. Shintaro Ishihara, the outspoken Tokyo Governor criticized Kan following other countries' order. Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe thought it violated the freedom of religion.

The road for Japan to move beyond Yasukuni is certainly not easy. Just on the same day, a right-wing member in his 20s weaved a Japanese knife on the streets near Japanese Diet and severely wounded a police security force.

Kan's decision has also won support from neighboring Korea. Korean president Lee Min Pak praised the move as one step forward. The usual critical Chinese government has not put out a formal response.