The Japanese embassy will hold a military anniversary event at the Japanese ambassador's residence here to prevent the ceremony from stoking anti-Japanese sentiment, diplomatic sources said Sunday.
  
The embassy plans to mark the 61st anniversary of the establishment of Japan's Self-Defense Forces in a ceremony at the residence early next month, the sources said on condition of anonymity.
  
The decision reflects Japan's cautious attitude amid burgeoning signs of a thaw in the countries' bilateral relations, they said.
  
"It seems to be an attempt to prevent further harmful influences on ties between South Korea and Japan," said one source.
  
The neighboring nations' ties have long been dogged by disputes over their shared history.
  
In a surprise move, however, the countries' leaders attended receptions marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in their respective countries on Monday.
  
Last year, the embassy planned to hold the annual military event at a hotel in Seoul as it had done in previous years but was later forced to change the venue to the ambassador's residence when the hotel canceled the reservation in the face of angry public sentiment. (Yonhap)