U.S. Congressman Hyde expresses concerns over Koizumi's Yasukuni visits

10/27/2005

The Asahi Shimbun


WASHINGTON--An influential U.S. congressman has voiced concerns about Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visits to war-related Yasukuni Shrine and their negative effects on Japan's relations with its Asian neighbors.

Ryozo Kato, the Japanese ambassador to the United States, said Wednesday the feelings of anxiety were expressed in a letter from Henry Hyde, 81, chairman of the U.S. House of Representative's Committee on International Relations.

Kato told a news conference it was the first time he has received a letter of such nature regarding Koizumi's repeated visits to Yasukuni Shrine, where Class-A war criminals, along with the nation's war dead, are honored.

According to Kato, Hyde in the letter argued that it is important for any Asian country to promote dialogue with other nations, which would be in the national interests of each country.

Hyde also wrote that it would be regrettable if such dialogue is prevented because of Koizumi's visits to Yasukuni Shrine, Kato said.

Koizumi visited the shrine on Oct. 17, his fifth such trip while in office, sparking immediate outrage from China and South Korea.

But Kato said of Hyde's letter, "It should not be characterized as a protest (against Koizumi's visits).

Originally from Illinois, Hyde, a Republican, has been elected to the House of Representatives 16 times.

After joining the U.S. Navy in 1944, Hyde served in the South Pacific and saw combat in the Philippines and other areas.(IHT/Asahi: October 27,2005)

See also background comments about the recent shrine visit: Looking beyond Yasukuni
published on the conservative Yomiuri Shimbun