Arab News

TOKYO: Japanese nationalists held a demonstration in front of the Russian Embassy on Friday to demand the return of the Northern Territories, which were taken by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II.

On the same day, the National Convention for the Return of the Northern Territories Executive Committee held the “2025 National Convention for the Return of the Northern Territories, which featured speeches by Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru and Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi.

February 7 marks the day in 1855 when Japan and Russia signed the Treaty of Commerce, Navigation and Delimitation, which confirmed the boundary between Japan and Russia.

On August 9, 1945, the Soviet Union entered the war against Japan in violation of the Neutrality Pact that was still in force. It occupied all the Four Northern Islands.

Japan has been continuing negotiations to resolve the issue and conclude a peace treaty with Russia. Japan says the Northern Territories – the four islands of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan and Habomai – “are an inherent territory of Japan.”

The nationalists drove past the Russian Embassy in Tokyo and shouted slogans through loudspeakers, saying, “Return the four Northern Territories of Japan immediately!” and the four islands of the Northern Territories are our Japanese indigenous territory.”

One protester shouted: “Apologize for the unjust occupation and provide compensation without delay! We will never forgive this!”

Under a heavy police guard, one of the demonstrators delivered a letter into the Embassy’s postbox while continuing to shout protests.