Tokyo Olympics 'Dokdo' Label Controversy... Citizens Outraged, Say "Let's Boycott"

Political Circles and National Petitions Focus on 'Olympic Boycott' Claims
Japanese Netizens Mockingly Say "Welcome to the News of Non-Participation"

Citizens are taking photos in front of the Olympic rings sculpture at the Tokyo Olympic Museum. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] "We must boycott the Tokyo Olympics."

The Japanese government has sparked controversy by depicting Dokdo as its own territory on the Tokyo Olympics official website. Despite continuous protests from our government, Japan ignored the demands for correction, prompting citizens to raise their voices, saying "We should not participate in the Olympics at all."

In the political sphere, calls to consider an Olympic boycott are emerging, reflecting a rise in 'anti-Japan sentiment.' However, Japanese netizens have reportedly mocked this by saying, "We welcome South Korea's Olympic boycott."

Previously, Japan marked a small dot on the national map showing the torch relay course on the Tokyo Olympics website, placing it above Shimane Prefecture where Dokdo is located, thereby implying that Dokdo is Japanese territory.

In response, the South Korean government requested corrections in July 2019, and subsequently, the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee changed the design of the national map. However, when the revised map is zoomed in, a small dot still appears at Dokdo's location, causing further controversy.

Regarding this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded the Embassy of Japan in Korea to immediately correct the map. The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee also sent a letter requesting correction to the Japanese Olympic Committee. Nevertheless, Japan stated, "Takeshima (the name Japan uses for Dokdo) is clearly Japanese territory based on historical facts and international law, and we cannot accept South Korea's claims," refusing to comply with our government's correction demands.

Tokyo Olympic website indicating Dokdo as Japanese territory. Photo by Seokyungdeok, Professor at Sungshin Women's University, captured from Facebook.

Civilians pointed out that Japan marking Dokdo as its territory on the Olympics map is inappropriate, especially given the Olympics' emphasis on political neutrality.

University student Kim (24) said, "If Japan does not correct the map and our country participates in the Olympics, it would be like acknowledging Dokdo as Japanese territory." "Our country should boycott the Olympics so that other countries pay more attention to the Dokdo issue. We must not give Japan any pretext regarding Dokdo. Although I feel sorry for the athletes, the nation must come first," he added.

There were also opinions criticizing the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) double standards. During the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, South Korea removed Dokdo from the Korean Peninsula flag following Japan's protest and IOC's recommendation. At that time, Japan protested the depiction of Dokdo on the Korean Peninsula flag.

Office worker Park (25) raised his voice, saying, "We removed Dokdo from the Korean Peninsula flag during the PyeongChang Olympics. If Dokdo is deleted in PyeongChang but shown as Japanese territory in Tokyo, how would people from other countries perceive Dokdo's ownership?"

Photo by Cheongwadae National Petition Board capture.

Given the situation, a petition titled "If the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee insists on marking Dokdo as Japanese territory, we must declare non-participation in the Olympics" was posted on the Blue House's public petition board.

The petitioner stated, "Japan's actions are tantamount to a declaration of propaganda revealing its ambitions over Dokdo internationally through the Olympics. Our government must respond more firmly than ever," adding, "If the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee and the IOC do not remove Dokdo from the map, I petition for a boycott of the Tokyo Olympics." As of 11 a.m. on the 31st, the petition had received over 37,700 signatures.

However, Japanese netizens responded by welcoming South Korea's potential Olympic boycott. On Japan's largest portal site, Yahoo Japan, comments included, "Takeshima is Japanese territory, so naturally it should be marked. What does that have to do with the Olympic spirit?", "If you want to boycott, go ahead. We won't suffer any loss," "Please do not participate," and "If South Korea participates, does that mean they acknowledge Takeshima as Japanese territory?"

Japanese netizens expressed welcoming opinions regarding South Korea's absence from the Olympics. Photo by Yahoo Japan, Japan's largest portal site.

Consequently, political circles are also hinting at strong responses such as Olympic non-participation. Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun wrote on Facebook on the 30th, "Japan's marking of Dokdo on the Olympic map is a clear political provocation against the Republic of Korea," and criticized, "If the political neutrality demanded during the PyeongChang Winter Olympics three years ago is not equally applied to the Tokyo Olympics, it violates fairness and undermines the Olympic spirit based on fairness."

He emphasized, "I oppose participation in the Tokyo Olympics hosted by Japan, where South Korea's sovereignty and pride are violated and the safety and lives of our athletes cannot be guaranteed."

Former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon also posted on Facebook, saying, "The government must respond firmly using all possible means, including an 'Olympic boycott,'" and "We will do everything possible to protect our sovereignty over Dokdo."

Meanwhile, Seo Kyung-duk, a Korean public relations expert and professor at Sungshin Women's University, revealed that he sent a protest email to Seiko Hashimoto, Chairperson of the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee, and the committee itself regarding the depiction of Dokdo as Japanese territory on the Tokyo Olympics website.

He stated on Facebook, "I was the first to confirm that Dokdo was marked as Japanese territory on the official Tokyo Olympics website, and I was truly appalled," adding, "At first glance, it seemed Dokdo was not marked, but when zoomed in, Dokdo was visible?a typical Japanese trick."

He continued, "In the email, I said, 'If you use the Olympics to promote another country's territory as your own, you do not deserve to host the Games. Delete the Dokdo marking quickly before causing further global embarrassment.'"