【01-13-2022】WrittenbySHIMOJOMasao,『TheessentialfactstounderstandTakeshima4「PointsthatJuniorHighSchool

     StudentsofJapanandtheRepublicofKoreaShouldConsiderRegardingtheTakeshima(orDokdo)Dispute」　　

【08-20-2019】 The Name "Sea of Japan" Is the Only Internationally Established Name（The Japan Institute of International Affairs）（外部サイト）

• Even if you look back historically it belongs to Japan.
• Even if you reference international law it is Japanese territory.
• Territorial disputes are by far cross-national issues. A peaceful solution and swift establishment of territorial rights should be devised by the respective national governments’ diplomatic efforts.

《 Full view of Takeshima 》

• Takeshima is affiliated with Shimane Prefecture, Oki district, Okinoshima-cho Town. It is located approximately 158 km northwest of the Oki islands at latitude 37° 14N and longitude 131° 52E, it has two main east and west islands as well as dozens of reefs, and the general surface areas is about 200,000 square meters.
• The peripheral region of the islands is the area where the warm Tsushima current from the south and the cold Liman current from the north interact. The amount and variety of marine products and sea weed are extremely abundant. Both Shimane Prefecture and Japan see the islands as a way to secure our marine resources and further develop our fishing industry, thus being an extremely valuable location.

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［Detailed Map］

• The Illegal Occupation of Takeshima by Korea

Takeshima, according to Shimane Prefectural Notice on February 22, 1905, it was stated that Takeshima is “under the jurisdiction of the Oki office affiliated with our prefectural government.” However, since the end of WWII, Korean guards have been stationed permanently for over 50 years, and Japan has not been able to make use of its rights to fish in that area.

• Movements to make Japan’s Territorial Rights Established Fact in Korea

Moreover, in addition to establishing a postbox in Korea and issuing Takeshima stamps, there are plans to enact new laws regarding the use of Takeshima and civilian immigration so that Japan’s territorial rights will be recognized as established fact.

Furthermore, starting from Japan’s ocean investigation plan of the area of ocean around Takeshima, boundary demarcation negotiations between Japan and Korean governments an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) were led once again after a 6 year hiatus in June 2006. However, both countries stand by its claims regarding the handling of the islands, leading to a standstill.

In order to devise a plan to strengthen domestic awareness toward territory and sovereignty, “Seminars for Instructors related to Territory and Sovereignty” aimed towards national board of education teacher supervisors were held, and a website that introduces resources related to Takeshima called the “Takeshima Resources Portal Site” was created.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs published the “10 points to understand the Takeshima Issue” and strengthened the efforts to spread information about the state of affairs regarding Japan’s territories internationally. (On the home page, you can find information in 12 languages)

In order to provide better and more complete education about territory, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology revised a portion of the explanation of the government course curriculum guidelines for middle and high schools in January, 2014.

In 2005, exactly 100 years after the Public Notice of the Incorporation of Takeshima by Shimane Prefecture in 1905, Shimane Prefectural Assembly designated February 22 as “Takeshima Day” with hopes of achieving a swift establishment of territorial rights to Takeshima. To achieve the purpose of the ordinance, Shimane Prefecture has been engaged in various projects necessary to solve the territorial dispute.

The Takeshima Issue should be solved through peaceful diplomatic efforts between the national governments of both Japan and Korea. As such, the Shimane congress and Shimane Prefecture is strongly requesting the Japanese government of a swift settlement of the territorial rights for Takeshima, and to provide a more complete curriculum for studies involving Takeshima in schools.

We established the Takeshima Issue Research Group, composed of specialists both within and outside the prefecture, which conducts objective research. The results of the research are being used to increase public awareness.

We are engaged in efforts to spread public awareness through PR events such as holding a commemorative ceremony on “Takeshima Day”, and conducting exhibitions at the Takeshima Reference Room, which was established in 2007.

Conducting studies related to Takeshima using uniquely created supplementary teaching materials such as DVDs and Takeshima study leaflets in all public elementary, middle, high, and special-needs schools.

• TheName"SeaofJapan"IstheOnlyInternationallyEstablishedName(English)（TheJapanInstituteofInternationalAffairs）(外部サイト)

• Takeshima Informational Leaflet

• Pamphlet of Takeshima

• booklet of Takeshima

• Pamphlet"10 points to understand the Takeshima Dispute"（The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of J apan）(外部サイト)

• Takeshima～Let’sstudywhyTakeshimaisJapaneseterritory～

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• Takeshima Reference Room collection

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Takeshima) （外部サイト）
• Office of Policy Planning and Coordination on Territory and Sovereignty, Cabinet Secretariat (Takeshima) （外部サイト）
• Okinoshima Town Office (Takeshima) （外部サイト）
• The OPRI Center for Island Studies, SPF （外部サイト）
• The Japan Institute of International Affairs（外部サイト）