The four Cabinet members were Environment Minister Koizumi Shinjiro, education minister Hagiuda Koichi, minister for promoting the active engagement of all citizens in society, Eto Seiichi, and internal affairs minister Takaichi Sanae.

It is the first time in four years that any Cabinet ministers have paid respects at the shrine on August 15. It is also the largest number of ministers making visits since the beginning of the Abe administration.

Koizumi told reporters that paying respects to those who made noble sacrifices for their country is natural.

Takaichi said she has visited the shrine every year regardless of whether she is a Cabinet minister or not. She added that it is up to people to decide how to honor those who have died for their country, and it should not be turned into a diplomatic issue.

Prime Minister Abe made an offering to the shrine from his private funds through an aide.

Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Takatori Shuichi delivered the cash offering under Abe's title of LDP president.

Abe has not visited the shrine in person since he last made a visit in December 2013.

South Korea has expressed deep disappointment and concern over the offerings and visits to the shrine.

A spokesperson for the country's foreign ministry said in a commentary that it regrets the fact that leaders of the government and the Diet of Japan have sent offerings to and paid respects at the shrine that glorifies Japan's war of aggression.

The commentary did not criticize Abe by name, and was almost the same as the one issued last year.