Japan PM says disputed islets, home to 1 resident, are 'Japanese territory', South Korea says claims 'unjust'

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that Takeshima, Japan's name for the Dokdo islets, is "Japanese territory" during a House of Representatives Budget Committee session on Dec. 9.

According to Chosun Biz, her remarks came after Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Takami Yasuhiro said that "the situation of South Korea's illegal occupation has not changed an inch".

Yonhap reported that a South Korean official has since responded on Dec. 9, saying that Dokdo is "an integral part of Korean territory historically, geographically and under international law".

Takeshima is "clearly Japan's inherent territory": Takaichi

In her address, Takaichi said that Japan's position remains unchanged.

She noted that "Takeshima is clearly Japan's inherent territory in light of historical facts and under international law.

Takaichi added that the country "will respond calmly", and that Tokyo will continue efforts to "ensure accurate understanding of our position spreads at home and abroad".

"Dokdo is an integral part of Korean territory historically": South Korea official

South Korea has since rejected Takaichi's remarks, with a senior presidential official saying that "no territorial dispute exists" over Dokdo.

"Dokdo is an integral part of Korean territory historically, geographically and under international law. We will sternly and firmly respond to Japan's unjust claims over Dokdo," he added.

This marks Seoul's strongest rebuttal to Tokyo since President Lee Jae Myung took office in June 2025.

According to Yonhap, Takaichi's comments have heightened fears of rising tensions between the two countries, at a time when Lee is seeking to separate forward-looking collaboration from longstanding disputes.

Both governments have reportedly been coordinating a possible visit by Lee to Takaichi's home region in Nara Prefecture in January 2026 for a summit aimed at maintaining positive momentum through reciprocal visits.

According to a 2019 CNN article, only one resident, 81-year-old Kim Sin Yeol, lives on the island. Her husband had passed away the year before.

A Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs website estimates that around 26 Korean personnel, including Kim, are living there as of October 2025.

"Dokdo is home to Kim Sin Yeol(her husband Kim Sung-do passed away in October 2018), 20 police personnel, two lighthouse managers and three Dokdo Office staffs. (As of October 2025)."

Top photos via 高市早苗/Facebook & 외교부 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Korea/YouTube