Called Dokdo by South Korea and Takeshima by Japan, the island is claimed by both countries as their territory, and the dispute has strained relations more than ever over the past couple of months.

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Japan has often displayed a tin ear to South Korean sensitivities over the island, which it calls Takeshima, having acquired it in the process of annexing Korea.

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So Dokdo, occupied by South Korea, is claimed by Japan, which calls it Takeshima. (Koreans denigrate the claim, pointing out that the island has no take, or bamboo, at all.) Island disputes with China and Russia also fester.

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