Establishing Territorial rights as soon as possible 

The Lee Line Declaration

In January 18th 1952, President Syngman Rhee of the Republic of Korea (ROK) unilaterally issued Proclamation of Sovereignty over Adjacent Seas (the so-called Rhee Line Declaration) and included Takeshima within the Rhee Line.

Thereafter, Japan and the ROK repeatedly claimed territorial sovereignty, dispatched inspection teams and protested against measures taken by the other party. In 1954, the ROK occupied Takeshima by stationing armed personnel on the islands.

The Japan-ROK Treaty on Basic Relations

In 1960, the twelve year Rhee Administration came to an end and the dialogue between Japan and the ROK progressed. In 1965, the Japan-ROK Treaty on Basic Relations was concluded and the relationship between the two countries was normalized. It was previously thought that the dispute over Takeshima would be resolved with the signing of the Treaty, but the issue remained unresolved.  

12-mile Territorial Water Zone Implemented by South Korea

In April 1978, the ROK implemented a 12-mile territorial water zone, banning Japanese fishing boats from entering into waters around Takeshima.

The Present State of Takeshima

The ROK currently keeps a lighthouse, watchtower and armed personnel on Takeshima, and continues its illegal occupation. This situation makes it impossible for Japan to exercise its administrative authority. Japan has a fundamental policy to resolve the issue through peaceful means, and tries to continue negotiations, taking every opportunity. Unfotunately, however, there is still no resolution to the problem.

 Given this situation, it is necessary for each Japanese citizen to understand the problem and rally support for a just resolution in order to establish territorial rights as quickly as possible and secure the safety of fishing operations.