Japan's Yasukuni Shrine is an object of some controversy across Northeast Asia. Though it is meant to honor Japan's war dead, many across the region see it as a symbol of Japan's lack of penitence for war crimes against civilians in Korea, China and elsewhere. To commemorate the 71st anniversary of the end of World War II in the Pacific on Monday, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a ritual offering to Yasukuni Shrine instead of visiting it himself, something he has not done since December 2013. South Korean President Park Geun Hye responded to Abe's tribute with a gently conciliatory comment, calling for a "future-oriented" relationship with Tokyo. On their own, Abe's decision not to visit Yasukuni and Park's reaction are not surprising. After all, Abe has not visited the shrine in almost three years, since his last trip met with stern rebukes from his Northeast Asian neighbors.