Japanese Ultra-Right Figure Says "Let's Attend Takeshima Day with Confidence"... Seo Kyungduk Calls Remarks "Pathetic"

A Representative Ultra-Right Figure... Also a Successor to Abenomics
"Government Officials Should Attend 'Takeshima Day'"

Sanae Takaichi, a representative right-wing figure in Japan and a member of the Liberal Democratic Party. Photo by Yonhap News

Sanae Takaichi, former Minister in charge of Economic Security and a close aide to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is also running in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election, stated that she hopes cabinet ministers will attend "Takeshima Day" with confidence. Takaichi, who has garnered unwavering support from Japan's ultra-right-wing factions through actions such as visiting the Yasukuni Shrine and advocating for Japan's remilitarization, continues to be a prominent figure among hardline conservatives.

According to local reports from the Asahi Shimbun and the Nikkei on September 28 (local time), Takaichi said during a debate among LDP presidential candidates, "I hope that ministers will confidently attend the 'Takeshima Day' ceremony, which Shimane Prefecture holds every February 22. It is an issue everyone should be aware of as it concerns Japanese territory," thereby asserting Japan's territorial claim.

Shimane Prefecture has held the "Takeshima Day" ceremony annually since 2006. While the prefectural authorities request the attendance of Japanese cabinet ministers every year, the government, mindful of Japan-Korea relations, has refrained from sending ministers and instead dispatches a Parliamentary Vice-Minister from the Cabinet Office.

The Asahi Shimbun expressed concerns, stating, "If a cabinet minister attends the event, it is expected to provoke a strong backlash from South Korea and further worsen bilateral relations."

Professor Seo Kyungduk Criticizes, "A Moment That Reveals the Level of Japanese Politicians"

In response, Professor Seo Kyungduk of Sungshin Women's University criticized Takaichi, calling her remarks "truly pathetic."

On September 29, through his social media account, Professor Seo stated, "This is truly a pathetic remark. It is a moment that reveals the level of Japanese politicians."

He continued, "Not only is it inappropriate to hold an event over someone else's territory, but sending a government minister also demonstrates a fundamental lack of respect for neighboring countries. Dokdo is not Takeshima, and it must be recognized that it is clearly South Korean territory from historical, geographical, and international legal perspectives," he said, expressing his indignation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.