The South Korean government issued a formal protest on February 22, 2026, condemning Japan's latest assertion of sovereignty over the Dokdo islets, known as Takeshima in Japan. The rocky outcroppings in the Sea of Japan remain a persistent flashpoint in bilateral relations between the two East Asian neighbors.
In response to an annual event hosted by Japan's Shimane Prefecture marking "Takeshima Day," South Korea's Foreign Ministry stated: "We strongly urge Japan to immediately abolish this unjust territorial claim. Dokdo is clearly our inherent territory historically, geographically, and under international law." The prefecture has organized such events since 2005, when it first designated February 22 as Takeshima Day.
The dispute traces back to Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula. South Korea regained control of the islets following liberation and maintains a permanent police presence there. Many South Koreans view Japan's claims as undermining historical reconciliation efforts.
Analysts note the timing coincides with broader regional security discussions, as both countries navigate economic cooperation amid lingering historical tensions. The Foreign Ministry emphasized: "Japan must face history with humility and cease groundless territorial assertions that hinder forward-looking relations."
