Japanese controversy over the remarks of Kikukawa Hitoshi regarding the Southern Kuril Islands resurfaces
Recently, the remarks of Kikukawa Hitoshi, the Japanese Minister in charge of Okinawa and the Northern Territories, have triggered a domestic public opinion storm. According to Kyodo News, on November 8, during a field trip in Hokkaido, the minister visited Nishibetsu City's Noshappu Cape, from which the Southern Kuril Islands (referred to by Japan as "Northern Territories") can be seen. The minister's statement, "This is probably the closest point to a foreign country," has caused a big uproar.
The reason for the intense criticism of this remark is that most people believe it implies that the minister considers the "Northern Territories" as "foreign territory"—that is, acknowledging these islands belong to the Russian Federation.
According to sources from Kyodo News, the Chief Cabinet Secretary Kiwada Makoto immediately warned Kikukawa on the same day, pointing out that the statement "had inappropriate and ambiguous aspects."
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1848390122039296/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.