Japan Protests Putin’s Visit to Disputed Kuril Islands

Japan condemns Vladimir Putin’s first visit to the disputed Kuril Islands, claiming it worsens diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has expressed strong disapproval of Vladimir Putin’s inaugural visit to the disputed Kuril islands, labeling it as “absolutely unacceptable.” The Russian President’s trip, reported by state media, focused on Iturup, known in Japan as Etorofu, one of four islands in a chain claimed by both nations.

Takaichi articulated that Putin’s visit has exacerbated sentiments toward Russia in Japan, maintaining that the island chain is historically and legally Japanese territory. She stated, “Putin’s trip wounds the feelings of the Japanese people and is incompatible with Japan’s consistent position on the Northern Territories.”

Earlier on the same day, Japan’s foreign minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, reiterated that the islands belong to Japan, asserting their inherent historical and legal claims. He voiced strong protest over the Russian leader’s visit.

The ongoing territorial dispute over the Kuril islands has persisted for decades and remains a significant barrier to establishing a formal peace treaty following World War II. The islands lie between Hokkaido in northern Japan and Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. After World War II, the Soviet Union annexed the islands and deported approximately 17,000 Japanese residents.

Putin’s visit included sampling fish roe and engaging with local inhabitants, as reported by Russian state media. Japan, however, views the visit as a violation, further straining the already frosty bilateral relations. The Japanese Prime Minister has called on Russia to take this matter seriously.

Attempts to reconcile the differing claims on the islands have repeatedly stalled, with Japan having imposed sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Japan has voiced objections not only to Putin’s visit but also to earlier trips by other Russian officials, such as Prime Ministers Mikhail Mishustin and Dmitry Medvedev.

The Kuril islands hold strategic importance for Russia, which has increased its military presence there over the last decade. Iturup serves as a vital military air base for Russia in the region. Just last month, Chinese and Russian naval vessels conducted joint patrols through the strait in the Kuril Islands. Additionally, Russia frequently conducts military drills nearby, drawing condemnation from Japan.