(English version) Japan’s Law on the Territorial Sea (Law No.30 of 2 May 1977)

Country: Japan

Scope: National

Document Language: English

*This Law was amended by the Law on Territorial Sea and Contiguous Zone (Law No.73 of 1996)

  • Summary

This legal document contains Japan’s Law on the Territorial Sea (Law No.30 of 2 May 1977). Notably, although it was established prior to the conclusion of the UNCLOS III in 1982, Article 1 of this Law confirms the 12-nautical mile Territorial Sea regime measured from the outer limit of the baseline (low-water/straight). The specific coordinates of basepoints forming the baseline to separate the internal water from other maritime zones and criteria to establish such baselines are provided in Cabinet Order No.210

The supplementary provisions annexed to this Law apply a 3-nautical mile Territorial Sea regime for the Soya Strait, the Tsugaru Strait, the eastern channel of the Tsushima Strait and the western channel of the Tsushima Strait, and the Osumi Strait.