Dokdo Takeshima Island Historical Data | Dokdo - Takeshima 독도 - 竹島 Liancourt Rocks The Facts of the Dispute
Dokdo Takeshima Island Historical Data
Our Collection of Articles Related to Korea’s Dokdo Island.
This page is a compilation of information related to Dokdo – Takeshima Island’s history. Also you can find pages with some political commentary about the Dokdo Island dispute as well. Below each clickable text title link is a brief description of the article. Take a look and see why Dokdo Island is indeed Korean territory!
Most Requested Articles
Some of our pages have become quite popular over the years. Many contain Dokdo [Takeshima] Island images and historical records you will not find anywhere else.
A Study of Dokdo – Takeshima Island’s Visibility
Through images and historical documents it becomes clear Dokdo Island was considered part of Korean territory. Here you will find images of Dokdo Island as it would have been seen by Koreans for over a thousand years.
How Japan’s Takeshima Lobby Tactics Destroy Japan Korea Relations
Take an inside look at the Japanese Government’s unethical lobby methods involving the Dokdo [Takeshima] Island dispute. Then you will understand why Japan’s neighbors don’t trust Japan. You may be very surprised. A must read!
The Truth of February 22nd, Japan’s Takeshima Day
In 2005, on the 100th anniversary of Japan’s 1905 annexation of Dokdo (Takeshima) Japan began to celebrate Takeshima Day. The historical circumstances surrounding Japan’s annexation of Dokdo are explained. Find out why Koreans are outraged.
The Takeshima Incident of 1837
This little-known historical record proves Japan considered Dokdo Takeshima Island as part of Korean territory. Color coded maps related to a trespassing incident on Korea’s Ulleungdo island are included. You won’t find this information on pro-Japanese websites.
Japan’s 1695 Tottorri Bafuku Records.
After the An Yong Bok incidents Japan’s Shogunate inquired to Shimane prefecture and concluded both Ulleungdo and Dokdo were not part of Japan. These records reveal Japan’s 17th Century activities on Ulleungdo and Dokdo were not acts of sovereignty.
The 1877 Kobunruko Documents.
Following the beginning of Japan’s Meiji Era, it was yet confirmed Ulleungdo and Dokdo were not part of Japan. Included are historical maps of Japan’s Shimane Prefecture that clearly excluded Dokdo [Takeshima] from Japanese territory.
The Japanese 1870 Report on Chosun (Korea)
A team of Japanese who gave detailed information about relations with Chosun (Korea) confirmed both Ulleungdo and Dokdo (Takeshima) were part of Korea. Maps and images from the ealry Meiji Era are used to support this research.
A Study of Japanese Government Takeshima Brochures
These critques of Japan’s Government publications shows errors and half-truths that are being spread by the Japanese government. Here original maps and documents expose the faleshoods of both Japan’s MOFA and Shimane Prefecture.
Japan’s MOFA’s Takeshima Propaganda Pamphlet
Released in 2008, Japan’s ’10 Issues of Takeshima’ brochure has serious problems when scrutinized closely. Both Korean and Japanese historical records are used to help readers see the truth. A must read for interested Japanese people.
Shimane Prefecture’s Takeshima Brochure
Shimane Prefecture uses incorrect map analysis and false history when making her case for Takeshima. Like Japan’s MOFA Shimane Prefecture refuses to admit the truth of Japan’s military involvement on Takeshima in 1905. Now Japanese can finally see Korea’s side of the Dokdo dispute.
The ‘Why Japan Can’t Have Dokdo’ Series
It’s been over a century since Japan’s military annexed Dokdo Island and more than 60 years since Korea has effectively controlled the islets. These pages provide valid reasons as to why Japanese should drop their claim to Dokdo – Takeshima Island.
Japan’s unjust claim to Dokdo – Part One
Part one of this series details Japan insatiable appetite for territory. Also revealed are how the Japanese insist rocks are capable of generating EEZs despite UNCLOS Maritime Laws that state otherwise. A study of Dokdo’s location to nearest Japanese and Korean mainlands and adjacent islands.
The Politics Surrounding Dokdo in 1905 – Part Two
The next article explains the politics and demographics of the Dokdo Takeshima region. It compares this area during the colonial era to the current situation. From this it’s apparent Japanese ownership of Dokdo is not in line with the reality of modern Asia.
Korea’s Ancient Title to the Dokdo and Ulleungdo Vicinity – Part Three
The third instalment shows how Korea has been active in the Dokdo Takeshima Island regions for at least 1,500 years. Historical records and archeological artifacts verify Korean involvement around Dokdo a millenium before the Japanese arrival in 1618.
Korea’s Economic Interests in the Dokdo Region – Part Four
Through very old images of Dokdo’s sister island Ulleungdo, we compare the region from the colonial era to now. This page helps the reader to understand why Dokdo Takeshima Island was/is economically inseparable from Korea.
Japanese Historical Maps Excluded Dokdo
These articles are an extensive collection of Japanese Maps from throughout the ages. After reviewing Japanese historical maps one can see the truth. The Japanese consistently excluded Dokdo from their territory and even showed the islets as Korean territory!
Historical Maps of Japan Without Dokdo – Part One
The first installment starts with very early maps of Japan all lacking both Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Each map shows Japan’s Oki Islands as the limit of Japanese territory throughbout history.
Japanese Historical Maps Lacking Dokdo – Part Two
Continuing on this page includes some very early maps from the Meiji Era. Again Oki Island are outlined in a box to show the limit of Japan did not extend westward from there.
Old Japanese Charts Lacking Takeshima – Part Three
Part three of this series has some high resolution Japanese charts of 17th Century Japan that lack Korea’s Dokdo Island. These maps prove Japan did not include Takeshima as part of their territory during the 17th Century.
Historical maps of Japan’s Shimane Prefecture Omitting Dokdo – Part Four
Japanese national maps excluded Dokdo but as we see here maps of Japan’s Shimane Prefecture also lacked the islets. Highly detailed maps of Shimane are studied on this page. Some of these charts had appended maps to include outlying islands but still omitted Takeshima – Dokdo Island.
An 1890 Map Book of Japan
In 1890 the entire nation of Japan was mapped and all adjacent islands were included. The attached page shows although the attached reference showed both Ulleungdo and Dokdo it was not incuded as part of any prefecture and thus outside of Japanese territory. – An 1890 map book of Japan and her Outlying Islands.
An 1895 Map Book of Japan
Five years later, this Japanese map book also included all prefectures and outlying islands. Again both Ulleungdo and Dokdo – Takeshima are not shown as part of Japan. This was only a decade before Japan’s military annexed Dokdo. – An 1895 map book of Japan and her Outlying Islands.
Miscellaneous Historical Maps and Dokdo – Takeshima Island
Throughout the years we’ve collected many maps of Korea and Dokdo from different sources. These articles study assorted charts and how they relate to Japan and Korea’s historical claim to these disputed islets.
An 1894 Japanese Map of Korea
The first page studies a Japanese map discovered by Japanese Researcher Professor Hosaka Yuji. This 1894 color-coded map clearly shows Ulleungdo and Dokdo as part of Korea. These images are highly detailed and clickable.
Hayashi Shihei’s 1785 Illustrated Survey of Three Countries Map
A Japanese map showing which islands and territory were part of Japan, Korea and Russia. It was drawn in 1785 and later referened by Henrich Klaproth in 1832. Ulleungdo and Dokdo are part of Korea and Oki Islands are Japan’s limit.
An 1857 Russian Map of Korea’s East Coast
A naval map drawn by Russian cartographers shows excellent detail of Korea’s Ulleungdo and Dokdo – Takeshima. It’s title alone indicates these islands were considered as part of Korea.
Mori Kinseki’s 1877 Map of Japan and Korea
This chart of Japan had an appended map of Korea on the upper left corner. Within the boundary of Korea can be seen both Ulleungdo and Dokdo – Takeshima.
19th Mapping Errors and Dokdo Island.
Around 1840, incorrect European maps of Japan and Korea affected Japanese maps of the early Meiji Era. The Japanese Government claims that these maps do not really show Dokdo as Korean land. This in-depth study helps to clear up this confusion by closely examining Japanese historical maps.
A 1903 Japanese Map of Asia
Just around a year before Japan annexed Dokdo Takeshima Island, this Japanese chart shows Dokdo Island within the territorial boundary of Korea.
Japan’s Takeshima X-Files Series
These original Russo-Japanese War records are what the Japanese Government doesn’t want to you to see. They prove without a doubt Japan’s annexation of Dokdo was an act of military aggression. Original Imperial Navy maps and logbooks are to be found here. Japanese readers may be surprised!
The Logbook of Japan’s Imperial Warship Niitaka
In September of 1904, Japan’s Imperial Navy recorded Koreans knew of Dokdo before Japan incorporated the rocks. The name Dokdo can be read. Also, they reported Russian Warships were seen near the islets which prompted Japan to push forward the annexation of Takeshima – Dokdo.
The Logbooks of Japan’s Imperial Warship Tsushima.
During the Russo-Japanese War, November of 1904, the IJN Warship Tsushima received orders to survey Takeshima for milatary watchtowers and a telegraph station. In January of 1905 it was confirmed the military could utilize Dokdo and weeks later the islands were annexed. Along with the original Tsushima logbooks are the survey map and report by Commander Yamanaka.
The Logbooks of Japan’s Imperial Warship Hashidate.
Immediately after defeating the Russian Navy in the Battle of Tsushima, Japan’s Navy began construction of military facilities on Dokdo Island.
Dokdo Takeshima and the Russo Japanese War I
Those who have studied the Dokdo problem know that the reason Japan annexed Dokdo was to install a military watchtower and telegraph base on the island. This page give details about the situation in the Ulleungdo and Dokdo region during this war.
Dokdo and the Russo Japanese War II
Original maps from war explain the strategic importance of Dokdo to Japan’s Imperial Navy. These are the records the Japanese government doesn’t want you to see!
Japanese Military Annexation of Korean Territory and Dokdo – Part One
This page details Japan’s military activities on Korean territory in 1904 during the Russo-Japanese War. The first page focuses mostly on Dokdo’s sister island Ulleungdo. Here original Japanese war maps show the location of Japanese Military bases all across Korea and Ulleungdo.
Japanese Military Activity in Korea and Dokdo – Takeshima Part Two
The following article details the Japanese military bases on Korea’s coastal regions and outlying islands. Japanese Naval maps of telegraph lines and watchtowers on Dokdo are also included.
Japanese Military Activity in Korea and Dokdo Part Three
Page Three shows the location of Japanese military watchtowers all across Korea, China and Shimane Prefecture. The final map shows Japan’s Naval telegraph line completed from Korea’s Northeast coast to Ulleungdo, Dokdo, and finally Matsue Japan.
Japanese Expansionism and Dokdo Island
These pages use historical maps and records to explain how Japan expanded their empire in all directions during the Meiji Era. There are original maps and records related to Ulleungdo Island as well.
Japan’s Illegal 1905 Annexation of Dokdo Island
An inside look into the expansionist policy of Japan in 1905. Read how Japan’s government secretly annexed Dokdo Island during the Russo~Japanese War in 1905. Japanse citizens should read this page.
Japanese Expansionism in Asia and Dokdo Takeshima
Based on an article from Japanese researcher Shojin Saito this page details Japanese territorial expansionism across Asia and Korea during the Meiji Era.
Japan’s Invasion of Korea’s Ulleungdo Island – Part One
Few people know that all Japanese involvement was really through Dokdo’s sister island Ulleungdo. These pages detail Japan’s repeated illegal activity on this historically important island.
The Invasion Ulleungdo – Part Two
In 1882 Japanese settlers began to settle on Korea’s Ulleungdo Island. This document details how Japan invaded Korea’s territory decades before their military seized Dokdo Takeshima Island.
Ulleungdo’s Invasion – Part Three
Japanese illegal logging on Dokdo’s sister island Ulleungdo led to the forcible evactuation of Japanese in 1883. However, not long after, the Japanese again invaded Korea’s Ulleungdo.
Shimane Prefecture “Expands” to Annex Dokdo [Takeshima] Island
After the incorporation of Dokdo Island a regional newspaper from Oki Island announces it is “expanding” it’s territory to include Dokdo Island. This article proves the island was not a part of Japanese territory before 1905. It also shows Japan’s annexation of Dokdo was an “expansion” not an affirmation of ownership.
World War Two and Dokdo Island
These articles detail the long decision process Allied Command went through in deciding ownership of former Japanese territories after the Second World War. It solves the controversy over confidential U.S. military memorandums.
Post World War Two and Dokdo [Takeshima] Island – Part One
A page of documents and maps related to the Allied Command’s policy toward Dokdo after World War Two.
The San Francisco Peace Treaty and Takeshima Island
Although the Japanese Government insists the Japan Peace Treaty granted Dokdo to Japan, this complete study of Post World War II negotiations dispels this myth. Original records and maps take us through the decision process of the U.S. Military and Allied Command after WWII.
A Timeline of American Actions and Dokdo Island.
An in-depth study of U.S. policy regarding Dokdo Island. Written by American schoolteacher Mark Lovmo, it shows Allied Command did not grant Takeshima to Japan after World War Two. A must read for Japanese researchers.
Miscellaneous Historical Articles Related to Dokdo Island
These pages are a collection of historical documents, maps and images for the readers to understand the truth of Dokdo Takeshima Island. Much of this data was collected on research trips to Dokdo and Ulleungdo Island by us!
Korea’s 1694 Ulleungdo Sajeok
Korean Inspector Jang Han Sang voyaged to Ulleungdo Island and recorded seeing Dokdo Island. This record also prove Koreans viewed Dokdo as outside of Japanese territory and under Korean influence.
Korea’a 1714 Report on Coastal Defences
In a report about a possible Japanese invasion this Korean document proves the people of Korea’s East coast knew of Dokdo Island. It also describes Dokdo as near Japan’s limits but outside of Japanese territory.
Koreans and the Ulleungdo – Dokdo Region Throughout History
European, Japanese and Korean historical records and photos record how Koreans sailed hundreds of kilometers to the waters surrounding Dokdo – Takeshima and Ulleungdo Island.
Han Chang-guk’s (韓昌國) Ulleungdo Inspection
A Korean Government Official conducted a survey of Ulleungdo Island. Here Ulleungdo’s neighbor island is refered to as Jukdo Islet not Usando.
Chosun’s Ordinance 41 from 1900 and Dokdo Island
In the year 1900 Koreans incorporated Dokdo Island under Ordinance 41 which placed the island under the jurisdiction of Uldo County. Images of Ulleungdo Island help readers familiarize themselves with the region.
Early Japanese Records of Takeshima – Part One
Japan insists the voyages of Japanese fishermen in the 17th Century prove their ownership over Dokdo. This study proves that is not true.
Early Japanese Records of Takeshima – Part Two [Report on Oki Island]
In 1667, a Japanese official, Saito Hosen recorded Oki Islands as the northwestern limit of Japan. Read how Japanese have wrongly interpreted this document.
An 1837 Japanese Record Regarding Trespassing on Ulleungdo
This article details how a Japanese merchant named Aizuya Hachiemon was caught trespassing on Korea’s Ulleungdo. This incident made clear Dokdo was also Korean territory.
Korea’s 1906 Protests Over Japan’s Annexation of Takeshima
Few Japanese know that after Korea was notified Japan had annexed Dokdo the Koreans immediately objected. This can be verified by original historical records and newspaper articles on this page. A must read for our Japanese visitors!
Dokdo and the Early 20th Century – Japanese Territorial Perceptions
If Dokdo Island was an inherent part of Japan why did they consistently list the island as part of Korea’s Gangwan Province. See how those Japanese who visited Dokdo – Takeshima thought the island was part of Korea.
Japan’s Incorporation of Marcus Island and Dokdo Island.
An in-depth look at how the Japanese government used the illegal activities of fishermen and trespassers to incorporate territory. See how the same politicians were involved in the annexation of Dokdo – Takeshima and Marcus Island.
Japan’s Political Relationship with Korea from 1870 to 1905
The political process Japan took to seize the Korean peninsula are inseparable to the annexation of Dokdo [Takeshima] Island. From the American arrival in Asia to Japan’s military control over Korea.
Korea’s Political Situation in Korea in 1904~1905 and Dokdo Island
Koreans did protest when Japan seized Dokdo but why did these complaints go unanswered? This article shows how Japan obtained uncontested control over the Korean nation by late 1905.
Korea and the Taft Katsura Agreement.
A 1905 secret agreement between the U.S. Government and Japan shows how the West gave Japan tacit consent to control Korea.
Articles Related to Takeshima – Dokdo Island
This collection of publications are in PDF format. They are published by authors of American, Korean and Japanese experts on the subject of historical and territorial disputes.
Historical Figures Related to the Dokdo Island Dispute
These pages give historical information about some of the people who influenced the Dokdo Island dispute. They are from both Korean and Japanese sources
Dokdo and An Yong Bok – Part One
A Korean fisherman who frequented Ulleungdo Island voyaged to Japan twice to protest trespassing by Japanese fishermen. This page mostly refers to Korean historical records.
Dokdo – Takeshima and An Yong Bok – Part Two
The Japanese Murakawa family documents reveal that Korean fishermen did protest to Japan and clearly mentioned Dokdo and Ulleungdo were Korean territory.
Nakai Yozaburo and Japan’s Annexation of Dokdo Island.
A Japanese frontiersman who voyaged beyond the limits of Japan and illegally settled onto Korea soil is the basis for Japan’s annexation of Dokdo in 1905. Read the real story behind Japan’s expansionist government involvement with Dokdo.