Justin Bieber has apologised for any offence caused after posting a photo of himself praying at a controversial Japanese shrine.

The singer recently uploaded to Instagram an image of himself at the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, which pays tribute to some of Japan's citizens killed in battle - including war criminals who committed World War II atrocities.

The Canadian added: "Thank you for your blessings."

However, he later deleted the image after receiving criticism before saying 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 move is the latest historical blunder to fall upon Bieber. Last year, the singer wrote in the visitors book of the Anne Frank House that he hoped the young wartime victim would have been a fan.

Watch Justin Bieber's recent videos below: