Japan PM Takaichi calls Putin's visit to disputed Kuril Islands 'absolutely unacceptable'; Tokyo had repeatedly asked Russia to prevent it

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has strongly criticized President Putin's visit to the disputed Kuril Islands, labeling it "absolutely unacceptable" and asserting that the islands are "inherently Japanese territory."¹²

Takaichi emphasized that Tokyo had "repeatedly requested the Russian side to ensure that the president does not visit the Northern Territories." The visit, which included a tour of Iturup, a strategically important military base, has drawn ire from Japanese officials, including Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, who stated that "Japan strongly protests this visit."³⁴⁵

The Kuril Islands were annexed by the Soviet Union during World War II, and while Japan renounced claims to them in the 1951 Treaty of San Francisco, it does not recognize Soviet sovereignty.

Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War suggest that Putin's visit is a direct response to Japan's recent defense white paper, which identifies Russia as a critical threat. The white paper states, "Russia is continuing active military activities in the Northern Territories, which are inherent territories of Japan, under illegal occupation." This visit is seen as an attempt to undermine Takaichi's efforts to bolster Japan's defense capabilities amidst rising tensions in the region.⁶