How they see it

1. China Daily

Abe's nasty track record - his denial of the aggressive nature of Japanese intrusions during WWII, his lack of remorse for Japan's historical sins, and his crooked approach to territorial disputes - disqualifies him from having an opportunity to explain, face to face, to Chinese and South Korean leaders his motive and purpose. His tribute to Yasukuni has slammed the door to dialogue shut. Given the Abe administration's bankrupt political credibility and dangerous political orientations, the international community and China should not be fooled by his excuses, instead it is time for them to seriously reconsider their relationship with Japan, from perspectives of security, diplomacy and economy. Beijing

2. The Korea Herald

No wonder, Japanese-Korean relations have remained at a very low ebb … Korea used to put Japan before China in its foreign policy when its two neighbours were competing for leadership in Asia. This foreign policy is now changing in favour of Korean-Chinese relations, as evidenced by [President] Park [Geun-hye]'s visit to Beijing for talks with President Xi Jinping earlier in the year. If it wishes to be seated on the pedestal of regional leadership … Japan will need the courage with which to look squarely at its shameful past and come to terms with its historical wrongdoings. A first step in this regard will be to find a new way to pay respect to the war dead as an alternative to Yasukuni visits by Cabinet members. Seoul

3. The Asahi Shimbun

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Yasukuni Shrine, marking his first visit as prime minister. We have no choice but to be appalled at his … complete lack of responsibility … If the prime minister visits it, he cannot escape criticism that he is affirming its historical recognition. Still, if he visits the shrine in defiance of such criticisms, his act is nothing less than a declaration of intent to turn his back to the postwar course followed by the Japanese people ... After all, it is Japan, which is unable to overcome the problem of history, that is a major destabilising factor of the region. Such a view can spread at once. The unusual statement by Washington that it is disappointed at the Yasukuni visit is telling. Tokyo