Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reiterated claims that Dokdo is Japanese territory and publicly expressed her intention to dispatch a cabinet minister to "Takeshima Day" events.
Speaking at the House of Representatives Budget Committee on Wednesday, Takaichi said Japan would "clearly inform the international community that Dokdo is Japanese territory." Regarding sending a cabinet minister to Takeshima Day events, she stated she would "work to create conditions for this to happen someday."
Takaichi, who took office in October last year, had previously suggested during the ruling Liberal Democratic Party leadership election that Japan could send a cabinet minister, a higher-ranking official than the traditional vice-ministerial level parliamentary secretary.
However, at this year's event held on February 22, Japan followed convention by dispatching only Naoki Furukawa, parliamentary secretary of the Cabinet Office. At the event, Furukawa claimed Dokdo is "clearly Japan's inherent territory based on historical facts and international law." Haruko Arimura, the LDP's General Council chairman, became the first holder of one of the party's three top positions to attend the event in person.
Japanese media analyzed that the decision to send a parliamentary secretary reflected consideration for improving Japan-South Korea relations. However, they predicted Takaichi may continue to raise the possibility of dispatching a cabinet minister, mindful of backlash from conservative groups within Japan.