A Japanese business federation leader Thursday called on the government to review its Asian diplomacy and improve relationship with China.

 

"If possible, I would like to see a change" in Japan's diplomacy with its Asian neighbors, said Nippon Keidanren Chairman Hiroshi Okuda at a New Year press conference.

 

The Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's annual visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors over two million Japanese war dead including 14 top war criminals, have strained ties between Japan and its Asian neighbors.

 

"As people who do business in China, we hope our business activities can help warm the political relations of the two countries," Okuda, also a chairman of the Toyota Motor Corp. said.

 

Nippon Keidanren is considered Japan's most influential business lobby.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 6, 2006)