Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba on Saturday said that Japan is considering taking its dispute with South Korea over a pair of islands to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) after South Korean President Lee Myung Bak visited them despite protests from Japan on Friday.

Gemba disclosed the plan after he was briefed by Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Masatoshi Muto, who was temporarily recalled after Lee's trip. according to Japanese media.

"We must respond firmly to territorial issues," according to Kyodo News citing Gemba, adding that he will consider "measures designed to peacefully resolve disputes on the basis of international law, including submitting an application to the International Court of Justice."