The row over islands disputed by South Korea and Japan intensifies on Friday as Japan marks "Takeshima Day."<br/> <br />The islands, called Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in Korea have sullied relations between the two neighbours as they both declare authority over them.<br/> <br />Takeshima Day in Japan was started in 2005 to support Tokyo's claims to territory.<br/> <br />About 40 Japanese activists rallied near the South Korean embassy to mark the day.<br/> <br />South Koreans held a counter protest in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul.<br/> <br />Children performed a dance to the song "Dokdo is Our Territory."<br/> <br />During the rally, a protester tried to stab himself in opposition to Japan's claims to the island.<br/> <br />Police managed to stop him and he was taken to hospital.<br/> <br />Japan's relations with South Korea frayed badly last year after outgoing South Korean President Lee Myung-bak visited the disputed islands.<br/> <br />South Koreans also harbour bitter resentment of Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945.<br/> <br />The land is now controlled and occupied by Seoul.
