On August 13, Muneo Suzuki, a member of Japan’s upper house parliament from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, criticized Tokyo’s excessive reaction to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Iturup Island.
Suzuki stated that Japanese authorities should not react sharply to Moscow’s actions every time. “I believe one should not be happy or upset,” he said. “President Putin is fulfilling the natural duties of the President of Russia. To react to every such action, on the contrary, is childish and immature.”
The parliamentarian noted that Japan’s economic sanctions against Russia had halted peace treaty negotiations between the two nations. He argued Tokyo should prioritize improving relations with Moscow.
On the same day, Japan’s Foreign Ministry issued a “strong protest” regarding Putin’s visit to Iturup Island—the largest island in the southern Kuril Islands group—and summoned the Russian ambassador. The news quickly went viral in Japan within minutes. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also condemned the visit.
Russian Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev reaffirmed that the Kuril Islands remain Russian territory, stating such declarations would not alter this fact.
During his first visit to the Kuril Islands on August 13, Putin toured a fish factory in Yasny, met with employees and staff, spoke with residents of Iturup Island, and visited a district hospital and school. He noted the unusually sunny weather during his trip.
