Japan's Softer Stance on Putin's Island Visit Sparks Criticism

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government has been criticized for its muted response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Iturup Island, also known as Etorofu Island, which is disputed with Japan. The island is one of four Kuril Islands that Japan claims as the 'Northern Territories' and has historically considered its own territory.

Last month, Putin visited a seafood processing plant on the island, prompting Prime Minister Takaichi to protest that the Northern Territories are 'Japan's territory historically and under international law.' Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also summoned Russian Ambassador to Japan Nikolai Nozdriev. However, some local critics argue that the Japanese government has not taken sufficient action in response.

The delay in taking further steps is attributed to concerns about potential repercussions from Russia, particularly with regard to liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Russia's LNG accounted for approximately 10% of Japan's LNG imports last year, and Japanese corporations hold equity in Sakhalin-2, an energy development project in Russia's Far East.

Mitsuto Tsuruoka, a Keio University professor specializing in international security, commented that if Japan relies on Russian LNG to the point where it cannot take necessary steps over territory and sovereignty issues, 'it is putting the cart before the horse.'