The Yasukuni Shrine in central Tokyo enshrines 2.5 million war dead, including Japan's 14 convicted war criminals and operates a war museum that defends Japan's wartime aggression. It is a flash point between Japan and its neighbours that see the shrine as distinct from other Shinto-style establishments mainly honouring gods of nature.
China and South Korea in particular see Yasukuni as a symbol of Japan's past militarism and consider Japanese officials' visits there as a lack of understanding or remorse over wartime history.
"I hope this Canadian singer, after his visit, can have some knowledge of the Japanese militaristic history of external aggression and their militaristic thinking," he said.
Yasukuni confirmed Bieber visited earlier this week in what appeared to be a personal trip to Japan. A Yasukuni official, who spoke on condition of anonymity citing privacy of a specific visitor, said he strolled in the shrine's precincts, like other ordinary tourists, and most people did not seem to notice.
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In a new Instagram post today, Bieber said he asked his driver to stop when he saw the "beautiful shrine," located in the capital's central district near Budokan hall, where he performed a concert in 2011. It is also near the Imperial Palace and other places tourists visit to see cherry blossoms, though they have mostly finished blooming.
"I was mislead (sic) to think the Shrines were only a place of prayer. To anyone I have offended I am extremely sorry," the post said.
The singer is scheduled to go on trial in Miami in July on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and resisting arrest.