On Sunday , Abe 's cabinet minister Keiji Furuya visited the Yasukuni Shrine and maintained that he did not want to `` irritate neighboring nations . '' Several South Korean officials and lawmakers visited controversial shrine . `` Offering condolence to the heroic souls that sacrificed their lives for the country and pledging for the peace for Japan and the world is a natural duty for a national Diet member includes 14 Class-A war criminals from World War II . Visitors insist they 're only paying respects , but Korea , China views are different .
Several South Korean officials and lawmakers visited controversial shrine . `` Offering condolence to the heroic souls that sacrificed their lives for the country and pledging for the peace for Japan and the world is a natural duty for a national Diet member includes 14 Class-A war criminals from World War II . Visitors insist they 're only paying respects , but Korea , China views are different .