TOKYO, Aug 15 (AFP): Tens of thousands of people braved blazing heat to pay their respects at a controversial Japanese shrine Friday, as Emperor Naruhito spoke of his "deep remorse" on the 80th anniversary of the nation's World War II surrender.
A cabinet minister was among the visitors to Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, which honours 2.5 million mostly Japanese soldiers who perished since the late 19th century, but also enshrines convicted war criminals.
Trips to the shrine by government officials have angered countries that suffered Japanese military atrocities, particularly China and South Korea.
It came as Naruhito said he felt "a deep and renewed sense of sorrow" in a sombre speech alongside Empress Masako in an indoor arena in the centre of the city, where the national flag flew half mast outside.
"My thoughts are with the numerous people who lost their precious lives in the last war and their bereaved families," the 65-year-old said.
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