On August 8, Japan's Minister in charge of Economic Security, Sanae Takaichi, stated that the government will "carefully consider" measures in response to President Vladimir Putin's visit to the islands controlled by Russia but claimed by Japan.
Speaking to the press, Takaichi said Tokyo is closely monitoring developments related to the Russian leader's trip to the region. Putin's visit to the islands is viewed as a sensitive issue in bilateral relations, which are already strained by various other disagreements.
The disputed islands—called the Kurils by Russia and the Northern Territories by Japan—lie northeast of Hokkaido. The sovereignty dispute, dating back to the end of World War II, remains a major obstacle preventing the two countries from signing a formal peace treaty.
Minister Takaichi emphasized that Japan will respond in line with its consistent stance on sovereignty and national interests but did not provide specifics on the measures to be taken.
