Overview
- Parliamentary vice minister Naoki Furukawa represented the central government at the Feb. 22 ceremony in Matsue for the 14th consecutive year of vice‑ministerial attendance.
- Furukawa stated that Takeshima is Japan’s inherent territory under history and international law and pledged to pursue a peaceful diplomatic resolution.
- South Korea’s Foreign Ministry issued a strong protest, urged the ceremony’s abolition, and summoned Hirotaka Matsuo, the Japanese Embassy’s deputy chief of mission in Seoul.
- LDP General Council chair Haruko Arimura attended, marking the first appearance by a holder of one of the party’s top three posts at the event.
- Despite Sanae Takaichi previously suggesting a Cabinet minister could attend, the government stuck to established practice, a move described by a senior official as consideration for Japan–South Korea relations.