Japan condemns Putin's visit to disputed Kuril Islands

Japan reacted strongly to Vladimir Putin's recent visit to the Kuril Islands, a territory claimed by both Japan and Russia. The visit, which took place in August 2026, marked Putin's first trip to the islands since they were seized by the Soviet Union during the final stages of World War II. Japan's foreign minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, summoned the Russian ambassador to express the government's outrage, while Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi labeled the visit as 'absolutely unacceptable.' The islands, known as the Northern Territories in Japan and the Southern Kurils in Russia, have been a longstanding point of contention between the two nations, preventing them from signing a formal peace treaty since the war ended. The islands are strategically significant and rich in resources, which adds to the complexity of the dispute. Putin's visit included activities such as inspecting a hospital and meeting local residents, which were met with condemnation from former Japanese residents who were displaced when Russia took control. The historical context of the islands' seizure and the ongoing territorial claims have created a tense atmosphere, especially following Japan's imposition of sanctions on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This geopolitical tension has further complicated the already strained relations between Japan and Russia, with both sides holding firm to their respective claims over the islands.