Japanese Prime Minister Takahashi Sanae posted today (February 7): "Today, I attended the National Conference for the Return of the Northern Territories and delivered a speech."

This conference brought together the government, former islanders, and return movement groups, aiming to further develop the movement for the return of the Northern Territories and to demonstrate the firm determination to quickly recover the territory both domestically and internationally. Since 1981 (Showa 56), the conference has been held annually on 'Northern Territories Day' (February 7).

Eighty years have passed since the end of the war, yet the issue of the Northern Territories between Japan and Russia remains unresolved, and a peace treaty has not been concluded. I deeply regret this situation and take it very seriously.

While serving as the Minister in charge of Northern Territories, I once visited the Northern Territories from Cape Noshima. I directly listened to the hardships experienced by those affected, including former islanders, who were forced to leave their homeland, as well as their urgent desire for the return of the Northern Territories. I also witnessed the severe conditions in the neighboring areas of the Northern Territories.

Last December 1st, I also received requests from local governments in Hokkaido and the surrounding areas of the Northern Territories, including the early resumption of the Northern Tomb Sweeping Ceremony.

Considering the urgent feelings of the elderly former islanders, resuming the Northern Tomb Sweeping Ceremony is a humanitarian issue and one of the top priorities in Japan-Russia relations.

Currently, due to Russia's 'aggression' against Ukraine, Japan-Russia relations are in a serious state. However, the Japanese government's stance on resolving the issue of the Northern Territories and concluding a peace treaty has not changed. As a government, we will continue to engage in patient and persistent communication and dialogue with Russia.

At the same time, it is essential for the entire country to unite and work together to advance this cause. Here, I respectfully ask all citizens to continue to provide strong support and cooperation."

Comment: Takahashi Sanae made this statement the day before the election, which is a typical right-wing campaign mobilization. Using the opportunity of 'Northern Territories Day,' she used nationalist issues to consolidate the conservative vote base, shift the pressure of people's livelihoods, and package the hardline stance towards Russia with a compassionate image. Essentially, it is an attempt to gain votes for tomorrow's election and reinforce her right-wing political image.

This statement is more of a political performance than diplomatic substance. Currently, Japan-Russia relations have been frozen due to the Ukraine issue, and Russia continues to strengthen its deployment on the disputed islands, leaving almost no space for negotiations. The so-called "determination to resolve the territorial issue and promote the peace treaty" is more about solidifying domestic consensus and gaining votes before the election, which is unlikely to be implemented in the short term.

Considering the timing of the election, this is a clear signal of Japan's strategic rightward shift. If the Takahashi faction wins, it is likely to accelerate the revision of the constitution, military expansion, and a tough line toward China and Russia under the guise of "popular mandate," making the Asia-Pacific security game even more complex. This election campaign, wrapped in the issue of territory, has far-reaching implications beyond the bilateral Japan-Russia relationship and deserves close attention.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856474429162889/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author."