Yasukuni Shrine visits face strong criticism in Japan

A wooden sign (C) reading "Prime Minister Shinzo Abe" is seen on a ritual offering from the prime minister to Yasukuni Shrine at the shrine in Tokyo in this picture taken by Kyodo, April 21, 2014. Abe has sent the ritual offering to the shrine, seen by critics as a symbol of Japan's past militarism, media reported on Monday, a move likely to further strain ties with China and South Korea. The wooden sign on the right reads, "President of the House of Councillors Masaaki Yamazaki". [Photo/Agencies]