Japan's 'Dokdo is Japanese Territory' Exhibition Hall Opens on 21st... No Foreign Dignitaries Invited

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Japanese government is set to officially open the "Territory and Sovereignty Exhibition Hall," which has been expanded more than sevenfold from its previous size, starting on the 21st. The exhibition hall is expected to spark controversy as it displays materials and exhibits claiming territories disputed with neighboring countries, including Dokdo, as Japanese territory. Anticipating the controversy, the Japanese government announced that the opening ceremony will be held as an internal event without inviting foreign dignitaries.

The Japanese government announced that the opening ceremony of the expanded Territory and Sovereignty Exhibition Hall in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, will be held on the 21st. The exhibition hall features a permanent display space presenting Japan's arguments and materials regarding three islands?Dokdo, the Kuril Islands (referred to by Japan as the Northern Territories), and the Senkaku Islands (known as Diaoyu Islands in China)?which are currently disputed with South Korea, Russia, and China over sovereignty. Approximately 100 people, including Seiichi Eto, Minister in charge of Territorial Issues, and representatives from related local governments, are expected to attend the ceremony.

Previously, in January 2018, the Japanese government opened a Territory and Sovereignty Exhibition Hall in the basement of the Shisei Kaikan in Hibiya Park. However, citing criticisms that the exhibition space was cramped and the content was insufficient, they began relocating and expanded the exhibition area more than sevenfold before reopening it. Conscious of the controversy surrounding the exhibition content, the opening ceremony was held as an internal event without inviting foreign dignitaries.

The Dokdo exhibition space is presumed to summarize Japan's claims from around the time South Korea began effective control of Dokdo up to the present. Japan asserts that South Korea unilaterally established the "Syngman Rhee Line" in January 1952 in violation of international law, claiming fishing rights in the East Sea and thereby making Dokdo Korean territory.

The Japanese government plans to open the new "Territory and Sovereignty Exhibition Hall" free of charge every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except on Mondays.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.