Download
Pop singer Justin Bieber apologized on Wednesday to those he offended by visiting Japan's Yasukuni Shrine this week, saying he was misled into believing it is only a place of prayer.
The Canadian posted a photograph of himself at the shrine on his Instagram account -tweeting the link to his 51 million Twitter followers - with the message “Thank you for your blessings".
The Shinto shrine in Tokyo is a symbol of Japan's lack of penitence for its aggressive past.
A museum there presents a view of World War II deemed unpalatable by most main stream historians, casting Japan as a victim.
A storm erupted across social media after the posting, with fans lambasting the 20-year-old star for historical ignorance.
China's Foreign Ministry suggested the singer should educate himself on the issue.
As the story gained traction and was picked up by the mainstream media, the picture was removed. About 13 hours after the original tweet, Bieber issued an apology on his Instagram feed, saying he had been misled into thinking the shrine was only a place of prayer.
"To anyone I have offended I am extremely sorry. I love you China and I love you Japan," he said.
The apology came after irate users flooded social media networks with complaints.
"Hey Justin, do u even know where that is?" wrote Instagram user vivien_kong.
On Sina Weibo, one user wrote, "I would like to scold him and beat him like a child." Another wrote, "China should ban Bieber, that would be a sensible decision."
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang, speaking on Wednesday, said he had not been aware of Bieber's visit to the shrine.
But he added: "I hope that this Canadian singer after visiting the Yasukuni Shrine can have a clear understanding of Japan's history of invasion and militarism, and of the source of Japan's militarism."
About the broadcaster:
Lance Crayon is a videographer and editor with China Daily. Since living in Beijing he has worked for China Radio International (CRI) and Global Times. Before moving to China he worked in the film industry in Los Angeles as a talent agent and producer. He has a B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Arlington.
体坛英语资讯:Chinese coach Jia expects more players to show in overseas leagues
体坛英语资讯:Loews new faces need to learn leadership
体坛英语资讯:Matildas bound for same base as Socceroos ahead of 2019 FIFA Womens World Cup
People Should Treat Animal Better 人类应当善待动物
体坛英语资讯:Ronaldo wins top scorer trophy at UEFA Nations League Finals
国内英语资讯:Chinese cities see improving air quality from Jan. to May
国际英语资讯:Thousands march in Moroccos capital to defend free education
谁该为受神经毒素污染的太平洋负责?
体坛英语资讯:Chinese pair upbeat about French Open journey
体坛英语资讯:NBA to present 2 regular-season games in Mexico
国内英语资讯:China unveils new administrative fee cuts from July
体坛英语资讯:China to face Malaysia and India at 2019 Sudirman Cup badminton tournament
New Trend 新时尚
国际英语资讯: AU Peace and Security Council to gather in Morocco on Monday
国内英语资讯:Beijing to promote foreign-related legal services
国内英语资讯:Chinas first cross-Yellow River metro line begins trial operation
国内英语资讯:Chinese president to attend G20 summit
国内英语资讯:China mounts fight against irregularities in cosmetic surgery
国际英语资讯: ASEAN leaders adopt Bangkok Declaration on combating marine debris
关于牙齿的小知识
名画《呐喊》中的人原来不是在呐喊!大英博物馆揭秘画家本意
国际英语资讯:Serbia remembers NATO bombing victims 20 years on
国内英语资讯:Chinese, Irish leaders exchange congratulations on 40th anniversary of ties
国内英语资讯:China Focus: African ministers in Beijing to discuss closer cooperation with China
国内英语资讯:Chinese bankers upbeat on economy
体坛英语资讯:World champion Gong prevails, Wang shatters Chinas 1500m indoor record
新加坡,香港和巴黎登顶生活最昂贵城市榜单
国内英语资讯:Chinese state councilor puts forward proposal on seeking better global governance
国内英语资讯:Chinas transition to consumer economy makes it more investable: senior investors
娱乐英语资讯:Asian New Talent awards unveiled at Shanghai Intl Film Festival