Regarding the statement by Prime Minister Kishida over the northern territory that it is "a territory peculiar to Japan" in the Diet response, Foreign Minister Hayashi is in a situation where it is difficult to negotiate a peace treaty with Russia, which continues to invade Ukraine. He acknowledged that it was a decision based on that.
Regarding the Northern Territories, the government refrained from expressing "territory peculiar to Japan" in the Diet response under the Second Abe Cabinet, and referred to it as "islands in which Japan has sovereignty", and in 2019 it will be "territory peculiar to Japan". The Cabinet has decided to refrain from answering, saying that whether or not this is recognized may hinder peace treaty negotiations with Russia.
In connection with this, Prime Minister Kishida said in a parliamentary response on the 7th that the Northern Territories "I don't remember using different terms, but in any case, it is a territory peculiar to Japan."
Foreign Minister Hayashi said at a press conference on the 8th, "Until now, from a diplomatic point of view, we have used the expression'islands in which Japan has sovereignty'."
He added, "In view of the current situation, we are not in a situation to state the prospects for peace treaty negotiations, and I am saying that in light of that." Russia continued its military invasion of Ukraine, making it difficult to negotiate a peace treaty. He acknowledged that it was a decision based on the fact that he was doing so.
When asked by reporters whether the Northern Territories were illegally occupied by Russia, he said, "I think it is illegal in the sense that it has no legal basis."