Japan summoned the Russian ambassador to protest against Vladimir Putin's visit to the Kuril Islands.

Japan summoned the Russian ambassador to Tokyo, Nikolai Nozdrev, on Thursday to protest against the first visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Kuril Islands, territories administered by Moscow and claimed by Tokyo.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi expressed a "strong protest," demanding that it be conveyed to the Kremlin. Motegi described the visit as "extremely regrettable" and emphasized that it negatively affects bilateral relations and hurts the feelings of the Japanese people.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the visit as "absolutely unacceptable," stressing that it intensifies anti-Russian sentiments in Japan. Putin visited the island of Iturup, where he inspected various sites, but did not convey any political messages.

In the context of the invasion of Ukraine, relations between the two countries are already strained. The dispute over the Kuril Islands dates back to the post-war period, and the Russian Constitution prohibits the cession of territories, further complicating the situation.