nhk world's political commentator masayo nakajima with us tonight. thanks, masayo. >>> south korea has warned japan that a group of japanese lawmakers will not be permitted to visit a south korean island near disputed territory in the sea of japan. seoul says it can't guarantee their safety if they carry out their planned trip. four lawmakers from the major opposition liberal democratic party plan to visit lulu island. the island lies near the takeshima island which are claimed by both countries. they are known at tokuto in south korea. on friday, south korea's deputy foreign minister summoned japan's ambassador to south korea to convey the entry ban. kim says such a visit could have a negative impact on bilateral relations. the japanese ambassador asked south korea to reconsider its decision and allow the lawmakers entry. he called south korea's decision regrettable and added the visit is not intended to harm bilateral ties. earlier in the day, japan's foreign minister urged the two sides to deal with the matter calmly. >> translator: the relations b