Japanese Government's Unjust Claim "Dokdo is Japanese Territory" on Takeshima Day

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] On the 22nd, the Japanese government reiterated its baseless claim that "Dokdo is Japanese territory" on the occasion of the local government-hosted event "Takeshima Day" (the name Japan claims for Dokdo).

On this day, Kato Katsunobu, Chief Cabinet Secretary and government spokesperson, stated at a regular press conference in response to related questions, "Takeshima is clearly Japan's inherent territory both in light of historical facts and under international law."

He added, "I believe it is important to seek the correct understanding of the international community to resolve the Dokdo issue," and "the government has been strengthening such responses so far."

Kato also said, "We will respond calmly and resolutely with the determination to firmly protect Japan's territory, territorial waters, and airspace against the Korean side."

On the afternoon of the same day, in Shimane Prefecture, Japan, the Takeshima Day event asserting sovereignty over Dokdo is scheduled to be held with the attendance of a vice-ministerial level official from the Japanese government.

This is the first local government-hosted Takeshima Day event held since the inauguration of the Suga Yoshihide administration, and the Japanese government is dispatching Wada Yoshiaki, Parliamentary Secretary of the Cabinet Office (vice-ministerial level).

During Abe Shinzo's second administration, a Parliamentary Secretary of the Cabinet Office attended this event for eight consecutive years.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, Kyodo News reported that about 220 people, roughly half the usual number, will attend this year's Takeshima Day event.

The Japanese government decided in a Cabinet meeting in January 1905 that Dokdo is Japanese territory, and Shimane Prefecture announced in a public notice on February 22 of the same year that Dokdo belongs to Shimane Prefecture.

Shimane Prefecture established Takeshima Day by ordinance in 2005 to commemorate the date of the public notice and has held the Takeshima Day event annually since 2006.

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