Japan Withholds Decision on Local Request to Elevate "Takeshima Day," Citing Consideration of South Korea Relations

Japanese Government Reserves Decision on Shimane Prefecture's Request

The Japanese government has adopted a reserved stance regarding Shimane Prefecture's request to elevate the status of "Takeshima Day"—established on February 22 to assert Japan's sovereignty over Dokdo—to a government-level commemoration, stating that Japan-South Korea relations must be taken into account.

The 'Takeshima Day' event held on February 22 in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, western Honshu, Japan. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

According to Kyodo News on June 2, Tatsuya Maruyama, Governor of Shimane Prefecture, met with Jiro Akama, Minister in charge of Territorial Issues, and requested that "Takeshima Day" be established by Cabinet decision and that the Japanese government host an official commemorative ceremony.

In response, Minister Akama stated, "We will make a decision after considering the overall impact on Japan-South Korea relations," according to Kyodo News.

During the meeting, Governor Maruyama argued that a Cabinet decision could be made solely at the government's discretion, without diplomatic negotiations or agreement with the other country.

Shimane Prefecture also claims that South Korea is illegally occupying Dokdo and is demanding that the Japanese government consider bringing the case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.