Japan Marks End of WWII Under Criticism from China, S. Korea

In a move likely to further strain relations, the Agence France Presse reports, a trio of cabinet ministers visited the controversial Yasukuni shrine, which neighboring countries see as a symbol of Tokyo's militarist past.

Memorial services on the day Japan surrendered to the Allies in 1945 come after Abe on Friday delivered a closely watched speech that expressed regret but also said future generations need not apologize for Japan's war record,

His remarks were welcomed by the US but blasted by China as a non-apology, while Pyongyang derided it as "an unpardonable mockery of the Korean people".

South Korean President Park Geun-Hye said his speech "left much to be desired" and stressed the need for Japan to resolve the issue of Asian women forced to work as sex slaves in Japanese military brothels.

The Philippines, another wartime foe, however said it had rebuilt a "strong friendship" with Tokyo.

Likewise, Australia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott said Abe's remarks "should make it easier for other countries to accept Japan's commitment to a better future for all, and to strengthen their own friendships with Japan".

In a speech for Saturday's war commemorations, Emperor Akihito said he felt "profound remorse" over the conflict Tokyo fought in the name of his father Hirohito.

Some Japanese media said it was the first time the 81-year-old, a symbolic figurehead, had used those words at the annual memorial.

Earlier, Haruko Arimura, minister for women's empowerment, entered the gates of Yasukuni, which is dedicated to millions of Japanese who died in conflicts -- but also includes more than a dozen war criminals' names on its honor list and a museum that paints Japan as a victim of US aggression.

It makes scant reference to the brutality of invading Imperial troops when they stormed through Asia -- especially China and Korea -- in the 20th century.