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Professor Criticizes 'Takeshima Rice' as Japan Pushes Island Dispute Through Products
🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

Professor Criticizes 'Takeshima Rice' as Japan Pushes Island Dispute Through Products

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Professor Seo Kyoung-duk condemned Japan's introduction of 'Takeshima rice,' cultivated in Shimane Prefecture, as an absurd territorial claim.
  • The rice packaging explicitly states 'Japanese territory Takeshima' and 'Shimane Prefecture product,' asserting Japanese sovereignty.
  • This follows similar product controversies, including 'Takeshima salt' and 'Takeshima curry,' used to promote Japan's claim over Dokdo.

Professor Seo Kyoung-duk has strongly condemned the recent appearance of 'Takeshima rice,' specially cultivated in Japan's Shimane Prefecture, labeling it an absurd and persistent effort by Japan to assert territorial claims over Dokdo.

Professor Seo learned of the rice through a netizen's tip-off, who shared information circulating on Japanese social media. The packaging of the 2kg rice bags prominently features the text 'Japanese territory Takeshima' and 'Shimane Prefecture product' in large letters. Furthermore, the product is advertised as 'specially cultivated rice,' accompanied by a statement asserting, 'Takeshima in Oki County, Shimane Prefecture, is our country's (Japan's) inherent territory.'

Recently, Shimane Prefecture in Japan appears to be accelerating product development to assert its territorial claims over Dokdo. This is truly a foolish act. Does making various merchandise make Dokdo Japanese territory?

— Seo Kyoung-dukCriticizing Japan's use of products to assert territorial claims.

This latest product is part of a pattern of similar items that have sparked controversy. In April, 'Takeshima' branded salt was sold to domestic and international tourists at Yonago Airport, the gateway to Shimane Prefecture. Additionally, 'Takeshima curry' has been sold annually at the Shimane Prefectural Government's cafeteria during 'Takeshima Day' on February 22, drawing significant criticism.

"Recently, Shimane Prefecture in Japan appears to be accelerating product development to assert its territorial claims over Dokdo," Professor Seo stated. "This is truly a foolish act. Does making various merchandise make Dokdo Japanese territory?" he questioned. He urged Shimane Prefecture to confront history and cease its baseless claims over Dokdo, emphasizing that such actions are futile.

He urged Shimane Prefecture to confront history and cease its baseless claims over Dokdo, emphasizing that such actions are futile.

— Seo Kyoung-dukConcluding his statement on the territorial dispute.
About this summary

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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