A Japanese cabinet official has faced disciplinary action after referring to the disputed Kuril Islands as “foreign territory,” according to a report by 47news on November 10. Secretary General of the Cabinet of Ministers Minoru Kihara censured Minister of Okinawa and the “northern Territories” Hitoshi Kikawada for his remarks.
The controversy arose during Kikawada’s visit to Hokkaido Prefecture on November 8, when he toured Cape Nosappu in Nemuro—a location visible from which the Kuril Islands are discernible. Speaking at the site, Kikawada stated, “This is probably the closest place to a foreign country,” a comment interpreted as implying the islands’归属 to Russia. The statement drew immediate backlash, prompting Kihara’s reprimand.
