Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi prays at shrine seen by neighbors as symbol of Japanese militarism

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi prayed at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine on Saturday. The shrine is viewed by Japan's Asian neighbors as a symbol of the country's past militarism.

Koizumi has a history of frequently visiting the controversial site. Such visits by Japanese politicians historically draw strong reactions and diplomatic friction from neighboring countries regarding Japan's wartime history.