Japan Seeks Territorial Solution with Russia 70 Years After Joint Declaration

Seventy years after signing a landmark accord to normalize diplomatic relations, the Japanese government vowed on Monday to continue pursuing a territorial solution with Russia over a disputed island chain off Hokkaido, despite worsening bilateral ties. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara announced Tokyo’s commitment during a regular press conference in Tokyo. The 1956 joint declaration between Japan and the Soviet Union stipulated the return of two of the four disputed islands—Shikotan and the Habomai islet group—following the conclusion of a peace treaty.

Tokyo Vows Communication Amid Worsening Ties

Despite deteriorating relations stemming from Japan’s participation in sanctions against Moscow, Japanese officials maintain that dialogue remains essential for breaking the decades-old diplomatic deadlock. “Even amid the difficult state of Japan-Russia relations, we will continue the necessary communication with the Russian side and work toward breaking the current deadlock,” Kihara stated at his press conference. The territorial dispute involves four islands known in Japan as the Northern Territories and in Russia as the Southern Kurils: Shikotan, the Habomai islet group, Kunashiri, and Etorofu. Tokyo maintains that the Soviet Union seized the islands illegally shortly after Japan surrendered in August 1945, while Moscow asserts it did so legitimately.

Suspended Negotiations and Recent Diplomatic Friction

Bilateral diplomatic efforts suffered a major setback following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which led to the suspension of peace treaty negotiations that Tokyo and Moscow had agreed to advance in 2018 based on the 1956 joint declaration. Prospects for resuming talks remain dim as relations have deteriorated following Japan’s participation in sanctions against Moscow. Recent friction intensified further after Japan protested after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited one of the islands in August.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Japan-Russia Territorial Dispute

Which specific islands are covered by the 1956 joint declaration?

The 1956 joint declaration stipulated the eventual return of Shikotan and the Habomai islet group to Japan after the signing of a peace treaty. The broader dispute also encompasses the larger islands of Kunashiri and Etorofu.

When did Japan and Russia suspend their peace treaty negotiations?

Negotiations were suspended in 2022 following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

What is the historical disagreement regarding the seizure of the islands?

Tokyo claims the Soviet Union seized the islands illegally soon after Japan’s surrender in August 1945, while Moscow argues it did so legitimately.

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