The organizers of an annual rally calling for the return of Russian-held islands off Hokkaido may refrain from issuing a declaration that includes language potentially upsetting for Moscow, according to sources close to the matter, as Japan seeks a breakthrough in the decades-old dispute over the territory.
The declaration may refrain from referring to the disputed territory as "illegally occupied" by Russia — a phrase that has been used at annual rallies in the past, in line with the Japanese government's position. Russia has rejected the claim.
The annual rally is held in Tokyo on Feb. 7 — designated as Northern Territories Day — and is organized by representatives from both the public and private sectors. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has attended some of the rallies in the past and is expected to do so this year.