Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan repeated the unfounded claim that "Takeshima (the name Japan uses for Dokdo) is Japanese territory."
On the 9th, when Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Takami Yasuhiro said at the House of Representatives Budget Committee with regard to Dokdo that "the situation of illegal occupation by South Korea has not changed an inch," Prime Minister Takaichi responded this way.
She went on, "There is no change in the basic position that, based on the view that Takeshima is clearly Japan's inherent territory in light of historical facts and under international law, we will respond with composure," adding, "We will work to send messages so that accurate understanding of our position spreads at home and abroad."
However, Prime Minister Takaichi did not say whether the government would raise the rank of the representative it sends to the Takeshima Day event held by Shimane Prefecture every Feb. 22. Since 2013 through this year, the Japanese government has sent a parliamentary secretary, which is Vice Minister level, to Takeshima Day for 13 consecutive years.
Earlier, during the Liberal Democratic Party leadership election on Sept. 9, Prime Minister Takaichi said, "Wouldn't it be good for a Minister to go to Takeshima Day with confidence?" and noted, "There is no need to watch others' mood." However, on Nov. 10 after taking office, when asked whether the government representative would be elevated to a cabinet member (Minister), she only answered, "We will respond appropriately," appearing to soften her tone.