Almost 150 Japanese lawmakers visit the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, that commemorates the nation's war dead, including 14 war criminals from World War II.<br/> <br />It's a move that's likely to further sour ties with regional neighbours.<br/> <br />The visit, marking the spring festival, comes a day before U.S. President Barack Obama arrives in Tokyo.<br/> <br />Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was not among these politicians but he sent an offering on Monday.<br/> <br />This cabinet minister says visiting the shrine is not controversial<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) JAPANESE INTERNAL AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS MINISTER, YOSHITAKA SHINDO, SAYING:<br/> <br />"As this visit was my own personal visit, I don't believe that it will have any effect on the U.S. President's visit."<br/> <br />But anything related to the Yasukuni Shrine will always heighten tensions.<br/> <br />For China and South Korea, this shrine romanticizes Japan's wartime aggression.<br/> <br />Ties between China and Japan are further strained by historical tension
