Prime Minister Shinzo Abe paid a visit to Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine on Monday.

Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken are the two major deities of the shrine.

Under them, Japan experienced the Meiji revolution and end of the Shoguns.

This month marks the 100th anniversary of the passing of Empress Shoken.

The Empress was Japan’s first to wear Western dress and participate in official duties.

Abe offered prayers for the prosperity, peace and stability of the Japanese people.

He visited in a private capacity and paid a fee from his own pocket.

Abe recently generated controversy by visiting Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine for Japan’s war dead.