What is Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, linked to Japan’s wartime atrocities?

Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine, which commemorates some two and a half million mostly Japanese soldiers and civilians killed in World War II, is one of the country’s most revered sites, visited by millions every year. But the shrine, which also honours 14 convicted war criminals, is seen as a symbol of Japan’s colonial-era atrocities in Asia.The visit to the shrine by Japanese officials, including Defence Minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, has provoked criticism from China and South Korea – who view the shrine as symbolic of Tokyo’s failure to atone for the atrocities its forces committed.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Why has North Korea fired a missile before US-South Korea drills?list 2 of 3Japan protests as Russia’s Putin visits disputed Kuril Islandslist 3 of 3North Korea fumes over upcoming US-South Korea military drillsend of listJapan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, also a regular visitor before becoming leader in October, did not join other officials. Local media reported that she instead paid tribute from a short distance away and sent an offering to the shrine, as previous prime ministers have done.So what is the shrine’s history and why is it controversial?Here’s wha...