What would happen if I claimed this island as my soverign nation?

Under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the island already belongs to Japan. It is well within the territorial waters of already existing Japanese territory.

It's going to take more than just yourself to be considered an actual nation. If you had, say, 200 people living there, you might actually have some claim to the land that would be respected. If it was just you... not so much... Japan or whoever else wanted the Island wouldn't consider it to be yours.

The smallest micronation in the world is Sealand. It has a population of about 50, and exists on a barge in the Ocean. Most of the international community, as well as the UN, do not consider Sealand to be an actual country. The idea of actually living on an Island that small seems kind of depressing and boring really. It would be interesting at first, but I prefer living on the mainland of the US where there is just so much more room and so many more places to go.

1. get a flag printed up with your likeness on it and a name. like if your last name is Fukcface, have it say Fuckfaceland right under your likeness.

2. Plamt that flag on the highest ground in the island, and set up camp.

3. If no-one challenges you in a year, it's YOURS!

You would have to be able to withstand invasion, most likely from Japan as I'm sure they've already claimed it. Since there's only one of you and millions of them, you're going to need some yellow cake and a sh*tload of centrifuges.

You can claim it, or any other land. The trick is to get other peoples and countries to recognise your claim...

For example I claim my grandfather was burried at sea and the is his grave. By right of in heritance it is mine and I am taxing your dwelling. So there !

I doubt anyone will be much interested until it becomes inhabitable/useful. Then you might find the Japanese government has a thing or two to say about your "sovereign nation".

I think I've pinched loafs bigger than that island, wanna claim those too?

You could apply to Obama for foreign aid and they would send you $millions.

You will be pressured to set up a centralized bank owned by the Rothchilds.

From what the article says, apparently you would have to fight the Japanese for possession, if it lasts.