In related news...
Koizumi: Shrine not issue
Asahi.com Aug 18 2003 2:31AM
...Asked by reporters whether the Yasukuni issue would feature in the policy document, Koizumi replied: ``That was settled two years ago. Upon consideration of different factors, I have decided to avoid Aug. 15. I already explained my reasons two years ago.''
...Prior to his election as party president in April 2001, Koizumi vowed he would visit Yasukuni Shrine each Aug. 15 ``no matter what form of criticism I may face.''
His pledge was directed at winning the support of the Japan War-Bereaved Association, which wields considerable influence at voting time.