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Basic Position of the
Government of Japan
Takeshima is indisputably an inherent part of the territory of Japan, in light of historical facts and based on international law.
The ROK has been occupying Takeshima with no basis in international law. Any measures the ROK takes regarding Takeshima based on such an illegal occupation have no legal justification.
Japan will continue to seek the settlement of the dispute over territorial sovereignty over Takeshima on the basis of international law in a calm and peaceful manner.
Comprehensive issues


Function of Maps in Territorial Disputes ― Treatment of Maps by International Tribunals ―
*Published on April 22, 2022
Factors Necessary for Acquisition of Title to Territory
*Published on January 21, 2021
The Senkaku Islands, Takeshima and International Adjudication [Addendum] The Northern Territories from the Perspective of International Law
*Published on January 21, 2021
Commentary on themes by historical period
Classification by historical periods I
After the OYA family and MURAKAWA family began traveling to Utsuryo Island and Takeshima with permission from the shogunate (Edo era)
Classification by historical periods II
From around 1905 when Takeshima was incorporated into Shimane Prefecture until the end of WWII (Meiji era to -1945)
(1) Request for the lease of Takeshima and its incorporation into Shimane Prefecture

Legal Nature of the 1905 Measures to Incorporate Takeshima into Shimane Prefecture of Japan
*Published on September 9, 2024
The Story of Takeshima’s Incorporation into Shimane Prefecture
Part 1: Fishing Operation Around Takeshima

The Story of Takeshima’s Incorporation into Shimane Prefecture
Part 2: Nakai Yozaburo’s Request to Lease Takeshima

The Story of Takeshima’s Incorporation into Shimane Prefecture
Part 3: Unfounded Assertions by the Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK)
(2) Peaceful and continuous exercise of administrative powers over Takeshima
(3) Investigations and administrative publications on Takeshima
Classification by historical periods III
Post WWII, before and after the San Francisco Peace Treaty entered into force 1945-1952
(1) GHQ's measures relating to Takeshima
(2) Details of the drafting of the San Francisco Peace Treaty

Understanding and Perceptions of the Takeshima Issue of the Various Embassies Located in Japan
*Published on October 20, 2025
The Treaty of Peace and Takeshima —with a focus on how the British Commonwealth countries responded—
*Published on May 28, 2024
The Treatment of Takeshima in the Treaty of Peace with Japan
*Published on January 21, 2021(3) Moves towards the use of Takeshima after WWII
Classification by historical periods IV
After the issuance of the declaration concerning “maritime sovereignty” by the President of South Korea From January 1952 ~
Analysis of claims by other countries

Research and Education on ‘Dokdo’ in South Korea: Historical Premises
*Published on October 20, 2025
Handling of the Takeshima Issue in South Korea’s Social Studies Curriculum
*Published on October 20, 2025
On “Usan Island” in old Korean documents
*Published on May 28, 2024
Prolonged “illegal occupation” by the Republic of Korea produces no legal consequences under international law
*Published on January 21, 2021
Takeshima in the Edo Period and Ahn Yong-bok's Statements Part1

Takeshima in the Edo Period and Ahn Yong-bok's Statements Part2
Legend
- Column
- Expert commentaries on the various issues
- Archive of documents and materials
- An archive of documents and materials prepared under the document research project commissioned by the Government of Japan
- Commentary videos
- Videos with easy-to-understand commentaries on each theme