Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi suggested Friday that he would not visit the Yasukuni Shrine on or around Aug. 15, which is an annual practice that has deteriorated Japan's relations with neighboring countries.

The premier said in 2002 that he does not want to prompt concerns and a sense of vigilance again in and outside Japan by sticking to a visit around Aug. 15.

When asked if he has changed his stance at a press conference on the day, the premier said: "There is no change".

The Yasukuni Shrine enshrines 14 Class-A war criminals along with more than 2 million Japanese war dead. Koizumi has visited the shrine four times since he came to power in 2001.

The worships have enraged other Asian countries, especially China and South Korea, and soured diplomatic relations.

Koizumi has refrained from specifying whether he would go therethis year, only saying he would make a decision appropriately.

Meanwhile, Environment Minister Yuriko Koike and Health, Welfare and Labor Minister Hidehisa Otsuji said Friday they will visit on next Monday.

(Xinhua News Agency August 13, 2005)