Japan Meteorological Agency Reporting Earthquake News Labels 'Dokdo→Japanese Territory' on Map

by Koo Nari

Published 03 Apr.2024 10:30(KST)

Reporting on Earthquake with Reference to Japanese Territory

The Japan Meteorological Agency marked Dokdo as Japanese territory on its earthquake map.

Map related to the earthquake provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency on the 2nd. A dotted line is drawn between Ulleungdo and Dokdo, indicating Dokdo as Japanese territory. [Image source=Professor Seokyeongdeok's team]

On the 2nd, Professor Seo Kyung-deok of Sungshin Women's University opened his statement on his social media account by saying, "Today (the 2nd) at around 4:24 a.m., the Japan Meteorological Agency announced that a magnitude 6.1 earthquake occurred off the Pacific coast of Iwate Prefecture in northern Honshu, Japan." The earthquake occurred off the northern coast of Iwate Prefecture, with a focal depth of 71 km. Fortunately, no tsunami was generated by the earthquake.

Professor Seo said, "There is a problem because the earthquake-related maps provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency again mark Dokdo as Japanese territory," adding, "The Japan Meteorological Agency has always labeled Dokdo as '竹島' (Takeshima), and we have been continuously protesting this for the past three years." He pointed out, "In this situation, foreign media and Korean press inevitably pay attention to the Japan Meteorological Agency," and emphasized, "During earthquake, tsunami, and typhoon warnings, many Japanese internet users visit the Japan Meteorological Agency's website, which can instill incorrect perceptions about Dokdo." Furthermore, Professor Seo noted, "Since many reports capture and use maps provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency, there is a significant risk that people might mistakenly believe 'Dokdo is Japanese territory,' which is the biggest problem."

Professor Seo stressed, "Now the Korean government must respond strongly to the Japan Meteorological Agency," and added, "As we have consistently protested until now, we will respond even more strongly to the Japan Meteorological Agency's provocations regarding Dokdo in the future."