South Korea Protests Japan's Takeshima Day Ceremony

On February 22, 2026, South Korea formally protested against a Japanese government event commemorating the disputed islets known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea. The ceremony, held by Japan's Shimane Prefecture, was viewed by South Korea as an unjust assertion of sovereignty over territory it claims as its own. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the event and summoned a senior Japanese diplomat to lodge a formal protest.

South Korea protests Japan over disputed Islands eventThe Straits TimesSeoul Condemns Japanese Ceremony Over Contested Island TerritoryUsNews and World Report

The territorial dispute over the islets has its roots in Japan's colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945. South Korea has maintained effective control over the islets since 1954, deploying a coastguard detachment to the area. The islets are strategically significant, located in fertile fishing grounds and believed to sit atop substantial natural gas hydrate reserves, which could be worth billions of dollars.

South Korea Protests Japan’s ‘Takeshima Day’ Event – GKToday

The South Korean foreign ministry emphasized that "Dokdo is clearly South Korea's sovereign territory historically, geographically and under international law," urging Japan to abandon what it described as groundless claims. The ministry's spokesperson reiterated the call for Japan to face historical realities with humility. In response to the ceremony, South Korea's government criticized the attendance of a senior Japanese government official, which they viewed as a provocation undermining diplomatic efforts to stabilize bilateral relations.

South Korea protests Japan over disputed Islands eventSeoul Condemns Japanese Ceremony Over Contested Island TerritoryThe Straits TimesUsNews and World Report

Japanese media, particularly the conservative outlet Sankei Shimbun, has consistently asserted that the islets are Japanese territory and criticized South Korea's control as an illegal occupation. The outlet called for a stronger governmental response from Japan, including higher-level attendance at the Takeshima Day event. This perspective reflects ongoing tensions and differing narratives surrounding the territorial claims.

South Korea Protests Japan’s ‘Takeshima Day’ Event – GKToday

While South Korea's position is clear in asserting its sovereignty over the islets, Japan has not provided a detailed public response regarding the protest. Reports indicate that Japan sent a vice-minister from the Cabinet Office to the ceremony, rather than a full cabinet member, which some analysts interpret as a gesture to avoid escalating tensions amid ongoing efforts to improve Japan-South Korea relations.

The Straits TimesUsNews and World ReportSeoul Condemns Japanese Ceremony Over Contested Island TerritorySouth Korea protests Japan over disputed Islands event

The ongoing dispute over the Takeshima/Dokdo islets continues to strain relations between South Korea and Japan, despite recent diplomatic efforts aimed at cooperation. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for future bilateral discussions and regional stability in Northeast Asia.

South Korea Protests Japan’s ‘Takeshima Day’ Event – GKToday