Remarks at House Budget Committee on December 9
"Situation of Illegal Occupation by Korea"
On December 9, Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan, once again asserted that "Dokdo belongs to Japan."
During a session of the House of Representatives Budget Committee held that day, Prime Minister Takaichi responded to Yasuhiro Takami, a member of the Liberal Democratic Party, who demanded action regarding Dokdo, stating, "The situation of illegal occupation by South Korea has not changed at all." She declared that Dokdo is "Japan's inherent territory."
She stated, "Based on the fundamental position that Takeshima is clearly Japan's inherent territory, both from a historical perspective and under international law, we will continue to respond resolutely. We will also strive to deliver messages to ensure that our position is accurately understood both domestically and internationally."
Prime Minister Takaichi has sparked controversy several times in the past with her remarks regarding Dokdo. During the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election in September, she said, "Wouldn't it be good for a minister to confidently attend Takeshima Day?" and added, "There is no need to be concerned about others' opinions."
On November 10, during another session of the House of Representatives, she reiterated, "We are responding based on the fundamental position that Takeshima is Japan's inherent territory, both in terms of historical facts and under international law." Even after taking office as prime minister, she has consistently maintained the stance that "Dokdo belongs to Japan."
At that time, according to Kyodo News, Jiro Akama, Minister in charge of Territorial Issues, held a press conference and insisted, "Takeshima is clearly Japan's inherent territory under international law," adding, "We will continue to strengthen our messaging both domestically and internationally, with a focus on our territorial perspective."
However, Prime Minister Takaichi avoided commenting on whether the government would raise the rank of its representative dispatched to the annual Takeshima Day event in Shimane Prefecture from vice-ministerial to ministerial level. Takeshima Day is an event held annually on February 22 by Shimane Prefecture, and the Japanese government has sent a vice-ministerial-level official to the event for 13 consecutive years from 2013 through this year.
On the same day, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement under the spokesperson's name expressing strong regret and repeatedly urged the closure of the facility. The ministry also summoned the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Japanese Embassy in Korea to lodge a protest.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that President Lee and Prime Minister Takaichi are coordinating another summit to be held in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan, in mid-January next year.
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