Japanese Prefecture Maps and Dokdo Island Defining Japan's Historical~Territorial Boundary

The historical facts of the Dokdo - Takeshima Island dispute

The following page like the previous one (link) uses maps to demonstrate the Japanese government did not include Dokdo island as part of Japanese territory prior to the annexation of the island in 1905. These maps are not national but of Shimane Prefecture and Oki Island. Some of the maps predate 1905 and others were made after the Shimane Prefecture Inclusion. These maps support Naval Documents and Fishery Reports that excluded Dokdo Island from the territory of Shimane Prefecture meaning the island was not considered part of Japan's inherent territory.

A modern reference map shows Shimane and Oki boxed in black

1876 Shimane Prefecture Map (click)

An 1881 Map of Shimane Prefecture (click)

An 1878 Shimane Prefecture Map (click)

An 1883 map of Shimane lacking Dokdo

This map of Shimane was drawn in 1890

This map of Shimane is from 1891

1895 Shimane Prefecture Map (click)

Shimane Prefecture Map of 1899 (click)

1891 Shimane Prefecture Map (click)

Shimane Prefecture in 1897 (click)

Shimane Prefecture in 1903

Shimane Prefecture Map 1907 (click)

1908 Map of Shimane Prefecture (click)

Shimane Prefecture Mapped in 1935

1917 Map of Shimane Prefecture

Shimane Prefecture in 1941 (click)

In Conclusion

There are two kinds of maps above, those that predate the Shimane Prefecture Inclusion and those drawn afterwards. The maps of each era show us two things. Maps made before 1905 that exclude Dokdo Island prove it was not considered part of Japan prior to Dokdo's annexation and thus was not an inherent part of Japan. Maps excluding Dokdo after the Shimane Prefecture Inclusion show Japan lacked continuity in its management over the islands. Post 1905 maps lacking Dokdo also suggest when Japan incorporated the islets, it was in such a clandistine manner many officials and cartographers themselves were not aware of the fact. The covert method of Japan's annexation of Dokdo raises suspicions as to the true motives behind why Japan "acquired" Dokdo Island in the first place.