The Russian Ministry of Justice has announced that it has designated a Japanese organization that continues to campaign for the return of the Northern Territories as an "undesirable organization," effectively banning its activities in Russia. This appears to be an attempt to increase pressure on Japan.
On the 6th, the Russian Ministry of Justice announced on its official website that it had designated a Japanese organization that continues to campaign for the return of the Northern Territories as an "undesirable organization" on the 5th of this month.
It is possible that the organization designated the ``Northern Territories Reversion Alliance,'' a public interest incorporated association that continues the movement for return.
According to Russian media, once an organization is designated as an "undesirable organization," it is effectively prohibited from operating within Russia.
In April last year, the Kuril Habomai Islands Residents' Federation, which is made up of former residents of the Northern Territories, was designated as an "undesirable organization" by the Russian authorities.
In response to the Japanese government's sanctions for its military invasion of Ukraine, Russia unilaterally announced that it would suspend negotiations for a peace treaty, including the issue of the Northern Territories, and exchange programs involving former islanders remained suspended. Shows attitude.
Last month, President Putin also hinted at the possibility of making his first visit to the Northern Territories in the future.
Russia appears to be aiming to increase pressure on Japan ahead of Japan's Northern Territories Day on February 7th.