‘Absolutely unacceptable’: Japan PM Takaichi condemns Putin’s visit to disputed Kuril Islands

Japan has strongly condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the disputed Kuril Islands, which Japan claims as part of its Northern Territories. The visit occurred on August 13, 2023, when Putin toured Iturup, known to Japan as Etorofu, and met with local residents. Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned the Russian Ambassador and lodged a strong protest, stating that the islands are "inherent territory" of Japan both historically and under international law.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also condemned the visit, warning that it could further complicate efforts to repair Japan-Russia relations. The Kuril Islands dispute dates back to the end of World War II, when the Soviet Union seized the islands from Japan in 1945. Japan refers to the four southernmost islands—Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and the Habomai islets—as part of its Northern Territories, while Russia maintains that they are part of its territory following the war.

The visit came after Putin's trip to Sakhalin Island, where he attended military exercises and discussed security issues with Russian officials. The dispute has been a significant obstacle in the long-standing lack of a peace treaty between Russia and Japan, which ended their World War II hostilities. The military presence of Russia on the islands, including the deployment of missile systems and fighter aircraft, has heightened tensions between the two nations.

Japan's decision to protest the visit reflects its commitment to asserting its territorial claims and the deteriorating bilateral relationship following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.