Moscow Tightens Pressure on Tokyo as Kuril Islands Dispute Sparks New Tensions

President Vladimir Putin delivered a powerful blow to Japan in response to the scandal that erupted in the eastern country over the Kuril Islands, analysts at Chinese publication Sohu believe.

Russia’s decision to bar 30 Japanese citizens from entering the country serves as Moscow’s answer to the controversy, the article said. The scandal erupted after Japan’s Minister for Okinawa and the Northern Territories, Hitoshi Kikawada, referred to a cape on Hokkaido with a view of the Kuril Islands as “the closest point to a foreign state.”

The remark triggered a wave of criticism in Japan, where many interpreted his words as a suggestion that the Southern Kurils do not belong to Japan. Moscow also took notice. As Sohu wrote, “Putin delivered a preemptive strike against Japan, quickly restraining its arrogance.”

Moscow Cites Anti-Russian Policy as the Reason

The indefinite entry ban, announced by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serves as a response to Japan’s “continued anti-Russian policy linked to the special military operation,” the ministry explained. The list includes the official representative of Japan’s Foreign Ministry Toshihiro Kitamura, journalists from major Japanese media such as Nikkei, Mainichi, Asahi, as well as broadcasters TBS and Fuji TV, university professors, and NGO representatives.

“Putin’s actions were ruthless; he struck directly at Japan’s propaganda machine. Russia’s response arrived with remarkably precise timing, coinciding with increasing diplomatic tension between China and Japan. This step sends a clear signal to Tokyo — Moscow and Beijing will not tolerate Japanese provocations,” wrote Sohu.

Rising Tensions Between Japan and China

The publication also recalled the escalating confrontation between Japan and China after new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi declared that Tokyo would deploy its Self-Defense Forces if Beijing attempted to seize Taiwan by force.

The scandal began when Kikawada made his controversial statement during a visit to Cape Nosappu in the city of Nemuro. Critics viewed his comment as implying that the Kuril Islands belong to Russia. Later that day, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara reprimanded him, calling the remark “inappropriate and ambiguous” and urging him to exercise greater caution.

Kihara reiterated that Japan considers the so-called Northern Territories to be “an inherent part” of its territory. Kikawada then addressed former residents of the Kuril Islands, apologized for his words, and promised to speak more carefully.

During her inauguration speech, Prime Minister Takaichi expressed a desire to sign a peace treaty with Russia. She emphasized that relations with Moscow remain difficult but stated that Tokyo aims to improve them.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, commenting on the scandal in Japan, called it an internal matter. However, he added that the territorial status of the islands “should not raise doubts for anyone.”