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Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the disputed Kuril Islands has triggered a strong reaction from Japan, highlighting the long-running territorial dispute between the two countries over the strategically important island chain.
Putin visited Iturup Island, one of the four southernmost islands claimed by both Russia and Japan, in a move that Tokyo viewed as particularly sensitive. Japan refers to the four islands as the Northern Territories and maintains that they are Japanese territory.
The Kuril Islands stretch from Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula in the north toward Japan’s Hokkaido in the south. The islands have remained a major point of contention in Russia-Japan relations for decades.
Putin’s Visit Draws Japan’s Protest
The Russian president’s trip to Iturup was significant because it marked a high-profile visit by Putin to territory claimed by Japan. Tokyo objected to the visit and expressed its position that the southern Kuril Islands are part of Japan.
Russia, meanwhile, maintains that the islands are part of its territory and has continued to strengthen its presence in the region.
The dispute has its roots in the final stages of World War II, when Soviet forces took control of the islands. Japan has continued to demand the return of four islands — Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and the Habomai Islands.
Why Are the Kuril Islands Disputed?
The territorial dispute has prevented Russia and Japan from fully resolving their post-World War II relationship.
Although the two countries have maintained diplomatic and economic ties, the disagreement over the islands has remained a major obstacle to a formal peace treaty ending their World War II hostilities.
The islands are also strategically important because of their location between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk. Their surrounding waters are rich in marine resources, while the island chain has military significance for Russia.
Japan Calls the Islands Its Northern Territories
Japan refers to Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and the Habomai Islands as its Northern Territories. Successive Japanese governments have maintained that the islands were unlawfully occupied by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II.
Russia rejects Japan’s territorial claim and considers its sovereignty over the islands settled.
The competing claims have periodically led to diplomatic tensions, particularly when senior Russian officials visit or announce new development projects on the islands.
A Long-Running Diplomatic Challenge
The Kuril Islands dispute has been one of the most difficult issues in Russia-Japan relations. Both countries have held negotiations over the territory at various points, but a comprehensive settlement has remained elusive.
Putin’s visit therefore carried significance beyond the trip itself, as it reinforced Moscow’s position over the disputed territory while prompting renewed criticism from Tokyo.
The issue continues to influence political relations between Russia and Japan and remains one of the region’s longest-running territorial disputes.
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