A group of Japanese people has formed a civic group to oppose Japan’s territorial claim over South Korea’s easternmost Dokdo islets.

The group consists of some 100 people, including city councilors and former teachers from Osaka.

In a ceremony marking the launch of the group on Monday, one of the teachers revealed ten ancient maps showing that Dokdo belongs to Korea.

The former teacher also presented a photo book published in Japan in 1905, which marks the rocky outcroppings as Korean territory. He said the photo book contradicts the Japanese government’s claim that Dokdo was incorporated by Japan’s Shimane Prefecture in 1905.

The group also opposes Shimane Prefecture’s commemoration of the so called "Takeshima Day" in February every year. It will visit Dokdo next month and work to arouse awareness against Japan’s wrongful territorial claim.