Running the gauntlet at Yasukuni

It has happened again: PM Koizumi has paid the obligatory visit to the Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo. Earlier than usual, this was done to avoid stir, but it prompted strong reactions from Asian neighbours.

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What's your opinion on this annual ritual? Is it just a religious/national obligation? Or do you understand Japan's furious neighbours who view this ritual as highly provocative?

By the way, here's the link to the shrine's official website

Observation by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on the Visit to Yasukuni Shrine

=> http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/pm/koizumi/observe0204.html

It's interesting to see that there are obviously quite a few Japanese opposing the PMs visit to Yasukuni. Japan Today asked passers-by for their opinion

=> http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=popvox&id=239

Tokyo shrine museum reopens

=> http://abc.net.au/ra/newstories/RANewsStories_606302.htm