On the 7th of "Northern Territories Day", a national convention was held to demand the return of the country.
While negotiations have stalled due to Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, Prime Minister Kishida emphasized his intention to adhere to the government's policy of resolving the territorial issue and concluding a peace treaty, and to work on resuming exchange projects.
"Northern Territories Day" was established on February 7, 1855, after a treaty was signed with Russia that made the four northern islands Japan's territories.
At a national convention held for the first time in three years to demand the return of the islands to the general public, Prime Minister Kishida said, "Even now, 77 years after the end of the war, the Northern Territories issue has not been resolved and a peace treaty has not been concluded. Japan-Russia relations are in a difficult situation due to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, but the government firmly adheres to the policy of resolving the territorial issue and concluding a peace treaty."
In addition, he emphasized that the resumption of exchange projects such as grave visits by former islanders of the Northern Territories is one of the top priorities, and he emphasized his intention to work toward early resumption.
In addition, Foreign Minister Hayashi said, "The Northern Territories issue is the greatest concern between Japan and Russia. We will work to respond to the wishes of the former island residents who are now elderly."
At the convention, for the first time in five years, we adopted the appeal for the realization of the return of the four islands, using the phrase "illegal occupation" regarding the current status of the Northern Territories.