Why Japan wants to lay claim to hundreds of uninhabited islands

The Japanese government will this month complete a survey of hundreds of outlying islands that serve as reference points for the nation’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.

Fully 431 uninhabited islands are at the extremities of the Japanese archipelago, with 277 having no confirmed owner. The government intends to register the islands as national properties, a move analysts say is designed to reinforce Japan’s claims and send a signal to other powers in the region that may covet the territories.

“Tokyo is bolstering its claims to these islands and, by extension, the Senkaku Islands, by applying international law,” said Stephen Nagy, an associate professor of politics at Tokyo’s International Christian University.

“With world law based in precedent, Japan is demonstrating that it adheres to international law with the underlying narrative the message that China does not follow international norms.”