National May 13, 2022
Body found on disputed isle may be passenger from sunken Hokkaido tour boat
Twelve passengers remain unaccounted for, with none found since April 28.
National May 6, 2022
Japan continues search near disputed isle for missing people from sunken tour boat
A patrol boat searched the area near Kunashiri Island, one of four islands claimed by both Russia and Japan, with permission from Moscow.
National Apr 22, 2022
Japan readopts hard-line stance on territorial dispute with Russia
The wording of a report highlights Tokyo's departure from a conciliatory approach toward Moscow.
National Apr 15, 2022
Russia-Ukraine crisis far away for most in Japan, but not in Hokkaido
by Eric Johnston
More visible demonstrations of Moscow's military power on and around Russian-held, Japanese-claimed islands off Hokkaido are generating concerns among residents.
Commentary / Japan Apr 8, 2022
Tokyo’s tough stand against Moscow comes at a cost
by Robert E. Kelly
Tokyo's recent decision to line up with the West on sanctioning Russia is a serious shift for Japan, and one with the obvious cost of alienating Moscow in the Northern Territories dispute.
National / Politics Mar 31, 2022
Japan to again designate Russian-held isles of Hokkaido as 'illegal occupation'
A draft paper also said the islands are an "inherent" part of the territory of Japan, words that had been absent since the 2011 edition.
National Mar 29, 2022
Former residents of disputed, Russian-held islands share hopes of visiting hometowns
Moscow has unilaterally halted visa-free visits to the four islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories, and peace treaty talks with Tokyo.
National Mar 28, 2022
The recent military exercises on a chain of islands — including the Northern Territories — involved more than 3,000 troops was centered around repelling enemy forces attempting to land.
National Mar 26, 2022
Russia begins large-scale military drill on disputed islands off Japan
The military exercise is the first on the disputed isles off Hokkaido since Moscow said it will suspend territorial talks with Japan.
National Mar 22, 2022
Japan slams Russia’s decision to suspend peace treaty talks
by Eric Johnston
In a further sign of worsening ties, Moscow also halted programs allowing visits by Japanese nationals to Russian-held islands off the coast of Hokkaido.
National | ANALYSIS Mar 21, 2022
Eyeing China, Japan breaks with past for strong Ukraine response
Japan has broken with years of precedent in its tough response to the Ukraine invasion, and the conflict could reshape Tokyo's defense strategy as it confronts China's regional ambitions.
National Mar 15, 2022
Japan protests after six Russian Navy vessels pass through Soya Strait
The Japanese government expressed grave concern over the move and said it is closely monitoring the Russian military's growing activities in areas around Japan amid the Ukraine crisis.