Prime Minister Kishida emphasizes the idea of working to restart exchange projects in the Northern Territories. Northern Territories Day is commemorated on February 7, 1855, when a treaty was signed with Russia that made the four northern islands part of Japan's territory.
The conference adopted an appeal calling for the public and private sectors to work together to realize the return of the four islands. Although Japan-Russia relations are in a difficult situation due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the government remains firmly committed to resolving the territorial issue.