Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party leader Takaichi has decided not to send a cabinet minister to the Takeshima Day event on February 22. The event marks the 1905 claim over the disputed Liancourt Rocks, known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea. This decision is seen as a softer stance on the sensitive territorial dispute with South Korea. Analysts say Takaichi is trying to "protect ties" with Seoul by making a pragmatic choice to avoid worsening the situation. The Takeshima Day has been held since 2005 in Shimane, southern Japan. Last year, Shimane’s Governor Tatsuya Maruyama urged the government to take stronger steps to win the dispute. Previously, Takaichi was known for favoring a tougher approach. Her new decision may disappoint some conservative supporters but reflects a desire to steady Japan-South Korea relations amid regional tension.