Japan PM seen avoiding shrine on WW2 anniversary

TOKYO, Aug 15 (Reuters) Japan today marked the anniversary of its World War Two surrender, but its leaders looked set to avoid visiting a controversial war shrine that has in the past been at the centre of diplomatic strife with Asian neighbours.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has refused to say if he will visit Yasukuni Shrine while in office, but media reports have said he will stay away, at least on the anniversary.

All his cabinet ministers have said they will avoid the shrine on Wednesday, and public broadcaster NHK said it will be the first time in at least 22 years that the entire cabinet has stayed away on the war anniversary.

Relatives of the war dead braved scorching temperatures early on Wednesday morning to pay their respects at the Shinto shrine in central Tokyo.

Yasukuni honours Japanese World War Two leaders convicted as war criminals along with 2.5 million war dead and is considered a symbol of Japan's past militarism in China and South Korea, which bore the brunt of Japanese aggression.

Visits to the shrine by Abe's predecessor, Junichiro Koizumi, were one reason for a deterioration in diplomatic ties with the two Asian neighbours during his administration.

''I don't think Abe should come because of all the trouble it causes,'' said Kanai Fukuo, 74, who was visiting the shrine early on Wednesday. ''Of course he has the right ... But it's just not worth it.'' Other visitors were keen to see Abe attend.

''I hope Abe comes,'' said Takenori Honjo, 45, who was at the shrine early today. ''We don't need to worry about China or Korea, because this is our culture. It is common sense to respect our ancestors. It is more than ceremony, this is our foundation.

Without Yasukuni, we feel like we lose our base.'' Abe moved swiftly after taking office last September to mend damaged ties with Japan's neighbours and analysts say he is unlikely to risk the progress made by paying homage on the anniversary.

He is scheduled to pay his respects at a secular memorial and speak at a remembrance ceremony alongside Emperor Akihito later in the day, while a cross-party group of pro-Yasukuni lawmakers is set to visit the shrine.

Reuters SBA VP0457