In pictures: Koizumi visits war shrine

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visit to Yasukuni Shrine has stirred strong emotions among supporters and opponents.

The prime minister was welcomed at the shrine with elated flag-wavers on one side, and angry demonstrators on the other.

Mr Koizumi intended to visit the shrine on the anniversary of Japan's surrender in WWII on 15 August, but changed his mind

He was greeted by well-wishers who waved Japanese flags and cheered

... but riot police prepared for clashes with leftist students who opposed the visit

Japanese demonstrators carried placards calling on Mr Koizumi to be more attentive to Japan's neighbours

Mr Koizumi assured the crowd that he intended to promote friendship with Japan's neighbouring countries

... a message not heard in South Korea, where 20 men chopped off the tips of their little fingers in protest at the visit