Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said Friday that Japan's ambassador to South Korea would temporarily return in protest against South Korean President Lee Myung Bak's visit to disputed islands claimed by both sides.

Earlier Friday, Gemba urged South Korea to cancel the planned visit to the islands, Takeshima in Japan or Dokdo in South Korea, as it would hurt bilateral ties.

The South Korean government notified the Japanese Embassy in Seoul on Thursday that Lee would arrive on the pair of islands between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Friday, and would hold a news conference, according to Kyodo news, citing sources close to bilateral ties.

Lee has arrived at disputed islets despite calls from Japan to cancel the trip, according to Kyodo news.

The visit to disputed islands was the first such one by a South Korean president.