Japanese Prime Minister Responds to Question on Ministerial Attendance at "Takeshima Day"

Avoids Clear Answer on Cabinet Attendance and Elevating Government Representation

On November 10, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi responded, "We will respond appropriately," when asked whether a cabinet minister would attend "Takeshima Day" (the name Japan uses for Dokdo).

According to Kyodo News, Prime Minister Takaichi made this remark during a session of the House of Representatives Budget Committee, when an opposition lawmaker asked if she would send a cabinet minister to the event as she had insisted during the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election.

Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister. Photo by Yonhap News

She added, "During the summit in Gyeongju on October 30, various issues were discussed, but both leaders agreed to manage them well under their leadership."

Since 2013, the Japanese government has sent a parliamentary secretary, a vice-ministerial level official, to Takeshima Day for 13 consecutive years. Previously, during the ruling Liberal Democratic Party presidential election in September, she stated, "Wouldn't it be better if a minister attended Takeshima Day with confidence?" adding, "There is no need to be concerned about how it looks."

At that time, appearing on a YouTube program featuring all five Liberal Democratic Party presidential candidates, she said, "Ideally, a minister should confidently attend the Takeshima Day ceremony," and emphasized, "There is no need to pay attention to appearances."

Prime Minister Takaichi, known for her right-wing stance, initially raised concerns that she might take a hardline approach toward South Korea and China upon taking office.

However, during the Korea-Japan summit earlier this month, she appeared to follow the previous cabinet's policy of improving relations by reaffirming a commitment to future-oriented development. In fact, during the autumn grand festival (Reitaisai) at Yasukuni Shrine, where Class A war criminals from the Pacific War are enshrined, held from October 17 to 19, she refrained from paying a visit. This is seen as a possible shift in her position since being elected prime minister.

Takeshima Day is an annual event held by Shimane Prefecture on February 22. Although Shimane Prefecture has requested cabinet-level attendance every year, the Japanese government has sent a parliamentary secretary, a vice-ministerial level official, for 13 consecutive years up to this year.