Masatoshi Muto will return to Seoul to help manage the dispute over the islands, known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in Korea
Group of uninhabited islands, known as Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese, are a frequent flashpoint between Tokyo and Beijing
Japanese PM decides to deport activists who illegally landed on Senkaku island
Scathing report criticizes safety measures, government response
Protest comes as Japan prepares to restart two reactors shut down after last year's tsunami, earthquake
Afghan president says negotiations should no longer be affected by presence of foreign troops, which militants have repeatedly denounced
World Uighur Congress decries what it calls Chinese occupation of their land
Public concerns about nuclear safety have slowed down process to restart reactors, leaving uncertain future
Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka says deal will maintain and reinforce deterrence posed by US forces in region
But expert warns failure to adopt new sanctions may be perceived by Pyongyang as victory over foreign enemies
As first of five-day launch window passes without incident, prime minister appeals to North to abandon plans
