Japan Makes Hasty Decision on March 16; Korea Allows Entry of Citizens into Dokdo

The measure taken by the Japanese Shimane Prefecture assembly on “Takeshima Day” is threatening the relationship between Korea and Japan in the Korea-Japan Friendship Year. On March 16, when Shimane Prefecture approved the ordinance, employees at Ulleung-gun and related assembly officials traveled around Ulleungdo, protesting against the Japanese action (top). Japanese rightists in the audience rejoiced after the Shimane Prefecture assembly passed the ordinance.

Chul-Min An acm08@donga.com