Japan Celebrates Takeshima Day, South Korea Issues Diplomatic Protest

Tensions Resurface in South Korea-Japan Relations as Japan Holds ‘Takeshima Day’ Celebration in Shimane Prefecture. On February 22, 2026, South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially condemned the event through a strong statement from its spokesperson. Seoul views this celebration as a provocative move that threatens the sovereignty of the disputed territory, known as Dokdo in Korean and Takeshima in Japanese.

South Korea’s Firm Stance on Dokdo Sovereignty

In its official response, South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs clearly emphasized that Dokdo is an integral part of its national territory. This claim is based on solid foundations, including legal evidence, historical justification, and international recognition. The Seoul government urged Tokyo to cease its baseless recognition of the islands. To reinforce its position, South Korea has maintained a permanent police presence on the island as a demonstration of factual control over the territory in the Sea of Japan.

Ongoing Dispute in Bilateral Relations

The dispute over the ownership status of Dokdo-Takeshima has been a longstanding issue that continues to influence diplomatic dynamics between the two countries. This case is not merely a geographical dispute but also reflects deeper historical tensions. Seoul consistently maintains that the islands legally belong to South Korea, while Japan continues to assert its claim by celebrating annual commemorations. The high level of protectionism over this territory indicates that the issue remains one of the most sensitive and difficult to resolve in East Asian regional diplomacy.