Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 22, 2026, visited Iturup Island, a territory claimed by both Japan and Russia, marking the first such visit by a sitting Russian president. Japan’s government responded with strong condemnation, calling the visit ‘absolutely unacceptable’ and an affront to its sovereignty claims.
Japan’s immediate response included a formal protest from Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, who stated that the visit was made without prior notice. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced that Japan would compile a $19 billion supplementary budget to address rising household costs, though she did not directly link the budget to the territorial dispute.
Japan’s Position and Legal Claims
Japan asserts that the four southernmost Kuril Islands, including Iturup (known in Japan as Etorofu), are ‘inherently Japanese territory’ both historically and under international law. The islands were seized by the Soviet Union in the final days of World War II, an action Japan has long contested. The disputed territories are referred to in Japan as the ‘Northern Territories.’
Prime Minister Takaichi emphasized that Putin’s visit was ‘incompatible with Japan’s consistent position on the Northern Territories.’ She added that the move ‘wounds the feelings of the Japanese people.’ Foreign Minister Motegi echoed this stance, stating that the islands are ‘historically and legally an inherent part of our country’s territory.’
Russia’s Assertion of Sovereignty
Prior to the visit, Putin had stated that Russia’s ownership of the Kuril Islands is ‘reality’ enshrined in international documents.’ During his tour of Iturup, he visited a fish-processing plant, a hospital, and a school, as well as a military base. The visit followed a meeting with Sakhalin regional governor Valery Limarenko.
Diplomatic Fallout and Regional Tensions
Japan’s government indicated that the visit would ‘make a recovery in relations more difficult,’ particularly amid strained ties due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Analysts, such as Michito Tsuruoka of Keio University, suggested that the visit signals ‘no intention—particularly on the Russian side—to improve relations with Japan.’
The dispute over the Kuril Islands has persisted for decades, with no resolution in sight. Both nations have maintained their claims, and diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue have yielded limited progress. The visit by Putin further underscores the enduring nature of the territorial conflict.