What not to do (if you're a head of state)

As we were discussing the unique concerns of the Japanese after World War II, I thought I'd go ahead and post a link to the controversy I mentioned during class. I found this particularly interesting as it isn't a debate that juxtaposes American and Japanese memorialization directly but rather the domestic concerns of a Japan anxious to preserve the status of ordinary fallen soldiers in the wake of international criticism for Japanese aggression both during and prior to WWII (1853-1945).

Or, as Professor Elliott says, here's another example on why it's a bad idea to visit graveyards or controversial memorials if you're a head of state. Any future presidents among us should be sure to take note!

Koizumi visits Yasukuni war shrine