Ex-Koizumi associate concerned Yasukuni may cloud Japan-U.S. ties

Ex-Koizumi associate concerned Yasukuni may cloud Japan-U.S. ties

TOKYO, Japan - Koichi Kato, a one-time political associate of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, speaks at a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo on Aug. 29. Kato voiced concern that the issue of Japanese leaders' visits to the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine could chill Japan-U.S. ties after the premier leaves office in September.

Ex-Koizumi ally Koichi Kato headed for win

Ex-Koizumi ally Koichi Kato headed for win

TSURUOKA, Japan - Koichi Kato (R), a former Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secretary general, rejoices Nov. 9 in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture, with his wife Aiko as he appears on track to make a political comeback in the House of Representatives election the same day.

Ex-Koizumi ally Koichi Kato headed for win

Ex-Koizumi ally Koichi Kato headed for win

TSURUOKA, Japan - Koichi Kato (R), a former Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secretary general, rejoices Nov. 9 in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture, with his wife Aiko as he appears on track to make a political comeback in the House of Representatives election the same day. (Kyodo)

Ex-Koizumi associate concerned Yasukuni may cloud Japan-U.S. tie

Ex-Koizumi associate concerned Yasukuni may cloud Japan-U.S. tie

TOKYO, Japan - Koichi Kato, a one-time political associate of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, speaks at a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo on Aug. 29. Kato voiced concern that the issue of Japanese leaders' visits to the war-linked Yasukuni Shrine could chill Japan-U.S. ties after the premier leaves office in September. (Kyodo)