Japan’s Takaichi steps back from Liancourt Rocks pledge in sign of softer line on South Korea

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Julian RyallFebruary 18, 2026 at 02:30 AM

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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is softening Japan's stance on the Liancourt Rocks dispute with South Korea by not sending a cabinet minister to the annual Takeshima Day ceremony on February 22nd in Shimane. The ceremony commemorates the date in 1905 when the disputed islets were placed under the jurisdiction of the prefectural government. This decision reverses Takaichi's earlier pledge and signals a more pragmatic approach to Japan-South Korea relations. The Liancourt Rocks, known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea, have been controlled by South Korea since Japan's defeat in 1945. Analysts believe this move is an effort to stabilize relations between the two countries, despite potential disappointment from conservative supporters.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Tatsuya Maruyama 40% East Sea 50% Liberal Democratic Party 50% Shimane ×260% Takeshima Day 70% South Korea ×385% Sanae Takaichi ×390% Japan ×590% Liancourt Rocks (Takeshima/Dokdo) ×295%

Keywords

liancourt rocks 100% japan-south korea ties 90% takeshima day 80% disputed islets 70% sanae takaichi 60% bilateral relations 50% diplomatic measures 50% political relations 40%

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Neutral

Score: 0.10

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Source

South China Morning Post

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Liancourt Rocks (Takeshima/Dokdo)

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis.

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liancourt rocks japan-south korea ties takeshima day disputed islets sanae takaichi bilateral relations diplomatic measures political relations

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