Disappearing Islet Off Hokkaido Coast Redefines Japan's Territorial Waters
An islet off Hokkaido that is used to delineate Japan’s territorial waters has disappeared, prompting the Japan Coast Guard to plan a search mission in the northern sea area.
The uninhabited islet, named Esanbehanakitakojima, is supposed to be located about 500 meters off the coast of Sarufutsu village near the northern tip of Hokkaido.
It is one of 158 uninhabited islands in 22 prefectures that were given names by the government in 2014 to clearly mark Japanese territorial waters. Under international laws, islands can be designated as such only if they can be seen above the sea surface even in high tides.
If Esanbehanakitakojima has sunk beneath the surface, Japanese territorial waters will shrink. On the afternoon of Sept. 1, Hiroshi Shimizu, 47, author of “Hito-zukan” (Picture book on hidden islands), visited Sarufutsu to see Esanbehanakitakojima as part of his efforts to write a sequel.
EDIT
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201810310046.html