Info Library

To help foster accurate understanding of issues related to Japan’s islands, this section of our website provides maps and other geolocation data, surface areas, and other basic information on islands and their surrounding seas.

Japan’s Island Territories

Feb 17, 2015

The Senkaku Islands, Takeshima, and The Northern Territories
The Info Library clearly shows how the Senkaku Islands, Takeshima and the Northern Territories, consisting of the four islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan and Habomai, are historically and internationally part of the territory of Japan. Please make use of these materials to correctly understand the legal status and geographical and historical background of the island territories of Japan.
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THE SENKAKU ISLANDS Facts&Figures

Feb 17, 2015

Workers drying bonito in Uotsuri Island after incorporation of the territory Photo provided Ms.Hanako KOGA, in the posession of the Naha City Museum History
The Government of Japan conducted surveys of the Senkaku Islands and confirmed that the Islands had been not only uninhabited but also showed no trace of having been under the control of the Qing Dynasty of China. Based on this confirmation, the Government of Japan made a Cabinet Decision on January 14, 1895, to erect markers on the islands to formally incorporate the Senkaku Islands into the territory of Japan. These measures were carried out in accordance with the internationally accepted means of duly acquiring territorial sovereignty under international law (occupation of terra nullius).
The Senkaku Islands Facts & Figures（F&F）site provides facts that are based on the official documents and research reports to enhance the understanding that the Senkaku Islands have historically, internationally, and consistently been part of the territory of Japan.
Facts&Figures

TAKESHIMA Facts&Figures

Feb 17, 2015

Workers engaging in the fishery near by Takeshima in 1934 (Photo provided by the Osaka Asahi Shimbun newspaper)
The Government of Japan officially named the Islands “Takeshima” and decided that the Islands would come under the jurisdiction of the Oki Island branch office of the Shimane Prefectural Government by Cabinet Decision on January 1905. The Cabinet Decision reconfirmed Takeshima as Japanese territory. Japan has exercised its sovereignty over Takeshima peacefully and continuously since then.
The Takeshima Facts & Figures（F&F）site provides facts that are based on the official documents and research reports to enhance the understanding that Takeshima has historically, internationally, and consistently been an inherent part of the territory of Japan.
Facts&Figures

THE NORTHERN TERRITORIES Facts&Figures

Feb 17, 2015

A cannery on Shibotsu Islet in the Habomai Islands (Photo provided by the League of Residents of Chishima and Habomai Islands)
The Northern Territories, consisting of the four islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan and Habomai, are an inherent part of the territory of Japan, which have never been held by foreign countries. The Soviet Union unilaterally incorporated the territories into its own territories without any legal grounds, and expelled all Japanese residents (approximately 17,000 people) from the Four Northern Islands.
The Northern Territories Facts & Figures（F&F）site provides facts that are based on international and official documents to let Japanese people know the historical background and natural environment of the Northern Territories. The photos on the site show the Japanese residents of the Four Northern Islands at that time.
Facts&Figures