Justin Bieber Sorry After Japanese Shrine Visit

Justin Bieber has apologised after posting a photograph online of a visit to a controversial Japanese shrine which honours war criminals.

The Canadian pop star is in Tokyo on holiday with his mother, Pattie Mallete, and paid a visit to the Second World War Yasukuni shrine.

"Thank you for all your blessings," he wrote, alongside the image posted on Instagram of him and an unidentified man standing outside the structure, which names 14 criminals among the war dead.

However, the photo was then deleted from his account after he received criticism from around the world.

Twitter user @BackinTokyo wrote: "Did Justin Bieber just honour the memory of some of Japan's worst war criminals?"

@leiasky5 wrote: "... gone mad. Am I the only one thinking he's trying to lose fans?"

China and South Korea have accused the Japanese government of being unapologetic about the events of the Second World War.

The Japanese imperial army committed mass atrocities across Asia and the Pacific.

A photo of Bieber, 20, posing with a Shinto priest was also deleted.

The star is not known for apologising for his antics but this time he felt the need to say sorry to his Chinese and Japanese fans.

He wrote on Instagram: "While in Japan I asked my driver to pull over for which I saw a beautiful shrine. I was mislead to think the Shrines were only a place of prayer.

"To anyone I have offended I am extremely sorry. I love you China and I love you Japan."

The visit comes almost exactly a year after Bieber caused anger at the Anne Frank museum in Amsterdam.

The Baby singer wrote in the guestbook that he hoped she would have been a 'Belieber' - the name given to his loyal fans.

Bieber's trial for driving under the influence, resisting arrest and driving without a valid licence is due to begin in Miami on May 5 although it is thought he has asked for the start date to be delayed.