Source: Voice of America News

http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-04-08-voa20.cfm

On April 8, 2005 Voice of America News reported, "While the eyes of the world were on Vatican City for the funeral of Pope John Paul II, another world-renowned religious leader quietly began a visit to Japan. Arriving at Tokyo's Narita airport Friday, the Dalai Lama began his visit to Japan by urging the world to continue the late pope's legacy of peace. In Japan's capital, the Tibetan leader's first stop was Meiji Jingu, the most-visited Shinto shrine in the country, where he spoke with VOA News. 'I'm not a follower of Shintoism. I'm Buddhist,' he said. 'But out of my respect to the native religion or native tradition of Japanese, it is my sort of responsibility from that viewpoint.' Despite protests from China, Japan's government has allowed the Dalai Lama to enter the country, on the condition that he refrain from political activities. Japanese government leaders will not be meeting the Nobel Peace Prize recipient during his 11 days in Japan, a snub Tibetan activists regard as disappointing."