A Japanese cabinet minister and a former prime minister on Sunday visited the Yasukuni Shrine which honors war criminals along with war dead.

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Shoichi Nakagawa said he planed to visit the facility on Monday, but changed schedule because he will attend a cabinet meeting.

When asked in what capacity he was paying the visit, Nakagawa said, "I'm a cabinet minister."

Prior to Nakagawa, former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto also paid a visit.

The practice by Japanese politicians have enraged other Asian countries that suffered Japan's aggression or colonial ruling in the first half of 20th century.

Japanese Prime Minister, who has visited the shrine four times since taking office in 2001, has not specified whether he would go this year. The premier suggested Friday he would not do that on Monday that marks the 60th anniversary of the end of the World War II.

Source: Xinhua