Japan party set to shun war shrine

Japan's opposition Democratic Party (DPJ), a strong contender to form the next government, got a warm reaction after announcing it wants to close the book on visits by the prime minister to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine.

The shrine is dedicated to the spirits of soldiers - including 1,068 convicted war criminals. It has been visited by senior Japanese politicians, to the chagrin of countries, including China, that suffered wartime atrocities.

The DPJ says that if it wins the Aug 30 election, it will not let its leader visit the shrine. Experts said the move signals Tokyo may be ready to offer conciliation to Asian neighbors, many of whom were occupied by Japanese forces during the World War II.