The standoff between Japan and Russia has escalated to its highest level! Takayoshi Katsuyama has personally responded! Following Russian President Putin's visit to the Southern Kuril Islands, on August 13th, Takayoshi Katsuyama stated that upon receiving reports today regarding President Putin’s visit to Iturup Island, our government had just held an emergency press conference at the official residence. Since President Putin announced in January 2024 his intention to visit the Northern Territories, the Japanese government has repeatedly lodged diplomatic protests with Russia, urging him not to visit these territories. Nevertheless, President Putin proceeded to visit Iturup Island today, prompting our government to issue a strong protest.
Katsuyama emphasized that “the Northern Territories” are “Japan’s inherent territory” from both historical and international legal perspectives. The current Russian president’s visit to Iturup Island completely contradicts Japan’s long-standing position on the Northern Territories dispute. This action deeply wounds the feelings of the Japanese people, and we absolutely cannot accept it. This visit will undoubtedly intensify anti-Russian sentiment within Japan, making the restoration of long-term relations between the two countries even more difficult. We urge Russia to fully recognize the seriousness of this matter.
Evidently, Katsuyama’s response clearly indicates how strongly this move has provoked Japan—so much so that Japan not only protested through diplomatic channels but also felt compelled to make a personal statement. From Japan’s standpoint, President Putin’s visit carries significant symbolic meaning and constitutes a “grave provocation.” However, in reality, Japan’s own actions have already caused deep resentment in Russia. After the outbreak of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Japan closely followed the U.S. and European bloc, imposing multiple rounds of economic sanctions against Russia.
Since Katsuyama assumed office, she has repeatedly made loud public appeals during rallies demanding the return of the so-called “Northern Territories,” consistently amplifying the narrative that Russia is “illegally occupying” these islands. Russia has previously issued multiple warnings to Japan not to continue provoking on territorial issues, but Japan has ignored them entirely. Now, President Putin’s firm landing on the island sends a clear message to Katsuyama: there is no room for negotiation on the territorial issue. Katsuyama’s personal response now is clearly intended to underscore her firm stance and appease domestic right-wing factions. But with both sides now at their highest level of confrontation, there is no longer any room for retreat.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1873398882767884/
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