South Korea Protests Japan's 'Takeshima Day' Event, Reaffirming Dokdo Sovereignty

South Korea Lodges Formal Protest Over 'Takeshima Day'

Seoul has issued a strong protest against Japan after a senior Japanese official attended Shimane Prefecture's annual 'Takeshima Day' event on February 22, asserting territorial claims over a group of disputed islets. The event, held in Matsue, the capital of Shimane Prefecture, consistently draws condemnation from South Korea, which views it as an unjustified claim over its sovereign territory.

The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Hirotaka Matsuo, deputy chief of mission at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, to formally convey its strong objection. In a statement, the ministry emphasized that Dokdo (as the islets are known in Korea) is 'clearly an integral part of our territory historically, geographically and under international law,' urging Japan to 'immediately cease its unreasonable claims over Dokdo and face history with humility.'

The 'Takeshima Day' Commemoration

The 'Takeshima Day' event is an annual observance initiated by Shimane Prefecture in 2005 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Japan's unilateral incorporation of the islets into its administrative jurisdiction in 1905. The event serves to promote Japan's territorial claims over the islets, which it refers to as Takeshima.

This year, Naoki Furukawa, Parliamentary Vice Minister at the Cabinet Office, attended the ceremony, marking the continuation of a practice since 2013 where the Japanese central government dispatches a senior official to the event. While Shimane Prefecture has often called for a Cabinet minister to attend, the government has consistently sent a vice minister-level official.

Historical Roots of the Dokdo/Takeshima Dispute

The islets, known internationally as the Liancourt Rocks, are a persistent source of tension between South Korea and Japan. Located in the Sea of Japan (East Sea), they are currently administered by South Korea, which has maintained control since 1952. Both nations claim historical sovereignty over the rocky outcrops, with conflicting interpretations of historical records and maps.

Key points of contention include:

• South Korea's perspective: Dokdo is seen as a symbol of national pride and independence from Japan's colonial rule (1910-1945). Seoul argues that Japan's 1905 incorporation occurred during a period of Japanese aggression against Korea's sovereignty.
• Japan's perspective: Japan asserts that Takeshima is an inherent part of its territory, citing historical evidence and the 1905 incorporation as a legitimate act.

Ongoing Diplomatic Strain

The annual 'Takeshima Day' event and the subsequent protests underscore the deep-seated territorial dispute that continues to strain relations between Seoul and Tokyo. Despite efforts to improve bilateral ties, particularly in the face of regional security challenges, such events frequently reignite diplomatic friction. South Korea consistently calls for the abolition of the event, viewing it as a provocative act that undermines mutual trust and cooperation.