Governor of Japan's Shimane Prefecture calls for 'Takeshima Day' to be upgraded to a government event again
Quick Look
The governor of Shimane Prefecture requested that the 'Takeshima Day' commemoration ceremony be upgraded to a government-hosted event, but the Japanese government avoided a clear answer by repeating its territorial claim.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Shimane Prefecture unilaterally announced the incorporation of Dokdo into its administrative district on February 22, 1905, and established February 22 as 'Takeshima Day' through an ordinance in 2005, and holds commemorative events every year.
The governor of Japan's Shimane Prefecture again requested that the 'Takeshima (竹島, the name of Dokdo claimed by Japan) Day' event be upgraded to a government-sponsored event, but the Japanese government repeated its existing territorial claims but avoided a clear answer.
On February 22, 1905, Shimane Prefecture unilaterally announced the incorporation of Dokdo into its administrative district. In 2005, an ordinance established February 22 as “Takeshima Day,” and commemorative events have been held every year since the following year.
According to Kyodo News on the 11th, Shimane Prefecture Governor Tatsuya Maruyama met with Territorial Affairs Minister Yasuhiro Hanashi at the Cabinet Office in Tokyo the day before.
At this event, Governor Maruyama requested that the 'Takeshima Day' commemoration ceremony held annually by Shimane Prefecture and other countries be upgraded to an event hosted by the Japanese government.
Territorial Minister Hanashi replied, “Takeshima is Japan’s inherent territory,” and “We will continue our efforts to gain understanding from the international community by disseminating correct information.”
He did not immediately answer whether it would be upgraded to a government-sponsored event.
In response, Governor Maruyama said, “The greatest power in resolving the problem is the people’s understanding,” and requested that enlightenment activities regarding Dokdo sovereignty be further strengthened.
Governor Maruyama previously met with then-Minister of Territorial Affairs Jiro Akama last June and requested the designation of 'Takeshima Day' through a Cabinet decision and the holding of a commemorative ceremony hosted by the government.
At the time, Minister Akama took a reserved attitude, conscious of Korea-Japan relations, saying, “I will make a decision considering the impact on the overall Korea-Japan relationship.”
The Japanese government has a Vice Minister-level Cabinet Office Minister for Political Affairs attend the Takeshima Day event every year, but has not responded to Shimane Prefecture's request to upgrade the local government-level event to a government-hosted event.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
It is highly likely that the Japanese government will continue to hold off on Shimane Prefecture's request to upgrade its commemorative ceremony.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- When will the Japanese government make a final decision on the request to upgrade the memorial ceremony?
- How will the Korean government react to this request?
