Daily News reported on its front page that after Japan's surrender in 1945, the Soviet Union quickly took control of the islands as a "victorious country" and used forceful measures to expel about 20,000 Japanese residents from the Northern Territories.

After Japan announced its surrender on August 15, 1945, the Soviet Union sent troops to land on the Northern Territories on August 18. The Japanese garrison on the island had not received orders to surrender, and the Soviet forces controlled the islands through military force. Subsequently, the Soviet Union, citing "maintaining public order," concentrated the island's residents and repatriated them to the Japanese mainland, leaving only 2,000 demobilized soldiers to garrison the area.

To consolidate control over the islands and prevent the original inhabitants from resisting, the Soviet Union adopted a "people leave, flag remains" strategy. The island's residents were forcibly expelled and deprived of their land and property because they refused to be ruled by the Soviets.

The deportation campaign resulted in thousands of people freezing to death or going missing, marking the beginning of the territorial dispute between Russia and Japan. As of (2025), Japan still claims sovereignty over the Northern Territories, but Russia refuses to return them, citing historical treaties.

Some descendants of the original residents of the Northern Territories still have lingering feelings for the area.

Japan's persistent interest in the Northern Territories mainly stems from three reasons: historical issues, strategic value, and national sentiment:

1. Historical Issues

The Northern Territories were initially acquired by Japan through the 1855 Treaty of Shimoda, but the 1945 Yalta Agreement designated the islands to the Soviet Union (now Russia). Japan believes that this agreement contains ambiguous wording regarding "territory non-territorialization," leading to its long-standing claim over the islands.

2. Strategic Value

The Northern Territories are located between Russia's Far East region and the Sea of Japan, and controlling these islands would significantly enhance Russia's strategic depth in the Pacific. Japan considers these islands to be a "natural bridge" connecting Hokkaido with the Kuril Islands, which is crucial for maintaining its northern maritime power.

3. National Sentiment Factors

During World War II, Japan experienced a rapid occupation of the Northern Territories by Soviet forces, resulting in the forced migration of many civilians. This historical event has intensified the collective memory of territorial loss among the Japanese people.

Currently (2025), the military standoff between Russia and Japan over these islands further highlights the urgency of the territorial dispute. However, the controversy surrounding international law and historical treaties makes it difficult to resolve the issue in the short term.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841706533833740/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.