Japan's economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura on Monday visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine that honors some two-point-five million war dead, including 14 convicted Class-A war criminals.

After paying respects a day before the shrine's autumn festival, Nishimura said he prayed that the spirits of those who died at war rest in peace, with the country and families in his thoughts.

The minister added that he had personally covered expenses for a ritual offering.

Nishimura had previously made visits marking Japan's surrender in World War Two on August 15 both last year and this year, as well as ahead of last year's autumn festival at the shrine.

In an apparent attempt to avoid confrontation with neighboring countries South Korea and China, who view the shrine as a symbol of Japan's past militarism, recent Japanese prime ministers, including current leader Fumio Kishida, have only sent offerings.