South Korea Protests Japan’s ‘Takeshima Day’ Event

South Korea has strongly criticised Japan for commemorating a group of disputed islets, describing the move as an unjust assertion of sovereignty over its territory. Seoul lodged a formal diplomatic protest after Japan’s Shimane prefecture organised its annual “Takeshima Day” ceremony, attended by a senior Japanese government official. The development has once again strained ties between the two neighbours amid a long-running territorial dispute.

Objection to ‘Takeshima Day’

South Korea’s foreign ministry expressed strong objection to the event and urged Tokyo to abolish the ceremony immediately. Shimane prefecture instituted “Takeshima Day” in 2005 to reinforce Japan’s claim over the islets.

Seoul views the event as a provocation that undermines diplomatic efforts to maintain stable bilateral relations. It reiterated that any Japanese claim over the territory is unacceptable.

Historical Roots of the Dispute

The islets, known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea, have been a source of tension since Japan’s colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945. The territory comprises two main islets and around 30 smaller rocks in the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

South Korea has maintained a coastguard detachment on the islets since 1954, effectively exercising administrative control.

Diplomatic Protest and Sovereignty Claims

Seoul summoned a senior Japanese diplomat to formally protest the ceremony and recent statements by Japan’s foreign minister asserting sovereignty over the territory during a parliamentary address.

South Korea maintains that Dokdo is its sovereign territory historically, geographically and under international law. It has repeatedly demanded that Japan withdraw what it terms groundless claims.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Dokdo/Takeshima islets are located in the Sea of Japan (East Sea).
• South Korea has controlled the islets since 1954 through a coastguard presence.
• The dispute is linked to Japan’s colonial rule over Korea (1910–1945).
• Territorial disputes in East Asia often involve strategic maritime zones and resources.

Strategic and Economic Significance

The disputed islets lie in fertile fishing grounds and are believed to sit above potential deposits of natural gas hydrate. Control over the territory also carries strategic importance due to associated maritime boundaries and exclusive economic zones.

The recurring controversy highlights the fragility of historical and territorial issues in Northeast Asia, even as both countries remain key regional economic and security partners.