By Suvendrini Kakuchi TOKYO, Aug. 15, 2006 (IPS/GIN) -- Ignoring the sentiments of neighboring countries, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi observed the 61st anniversary of Japan's surrender to Allied forces on Tuesday by paying his respects to the war dead at the controversial Yasukuni shrine.

By CHISAKI WATANABE TOKYO - Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi prayed at the Yasukuni war shrine Tuesday to mark Tokyo's World War II surrender, triggering immediate protests by China and South Korea but cheering his conservative followers.

By Linda Sieg TOKYO (Reuters) - This week's huge election victory for Japan's ruling party will boost momentum to revise the nation's pacifist constitution, although it will take time to clear logistical and political hurdles to enact the changes.