Japan is considering countermeasures after Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the island chain over which the two countries have a sovereignty dispute, a Japanese Foreign Ministry official said on Monday.
Speaking amid escalating diplomatic tensions, the official confirmed that Tokyo is examining options to respond to Moscow's move, but did not provide specific details on the timing or form of the planned measures.
The Russian leader's visit to the area is seen as a sensitive move for Japan, which maintains that the islands are its sovereign territory under bilateral agreements and international law.
The incident comes against a backdrop of already strained Japan-Russia relations over various regional and global issues. Analysts suggest Tokyo's planned measures could include diplomatic steps or formal protest statements.
There has been no official response from Russia regarding this information.
