Japan Pushes Ahead with Takeshima Day Event
Takeshima Curry Sold with Dokdo-shaped Rice and Takeshima Flag
Shimane Prefecture in Japan is pressing ahead with the 'Takeshima Day' event on the 22nd, and it has been revealed that this year as well, 'Takeshima Curry' appeared in the basement cafeteria of the Shimane Prefectural Office. 'Takeshima Day' is an event created by Shimane Prefecture in 2005 and held annually on February 22nd since 2006.
Professor Seo Kyung-deok of Sungshin Women's University criticized on social media (SNS) on the 21st, saying, "It is truly pathetic to think that doing this will make Dokdo Japanese territory."
Takeshima Curry, sold in limited quantities at the underground cafeteria of Shimane Prefectural Office in Japan. Seo Kyung-deok SNS
Professor Seo stated that he learned through a tip from a netizen that Takeshima Curry was sold in a limited quantity of 110 servings over two days, the 20th and 21st. He added, "The fact that this curry has been consistently offered over the past few years is a kind of strategy to instill the perception among local officials and citizens that Dokdo is their own territory."
According to Professor Seo, this curry is made by pouring curry sauce containing seafood caught in the sea around the Oki Islands of Shimane Prefecture over rice shaped like Dokdo. A flag with the characters for Takeshima (竹島) is stuck on top of the rice, which is a distinctive feature.
Professor Seo said, "This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of 'Takeshima Day,' and special exhibitions, booklet publications, and broadcasts through Shimane Prefecture cable TV are also planned." He argued, "If Japan truly wants a genuine Korea-Japan relationship, it should abolish this event first." He also urged the Japanese government and local authorities to adopt a correct view of history from now on and to act in a way that will not bring shame to future generations.
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