Japanese minister reprimanded for calling Kuril Islands “foreign territory”

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara has issued a reprimand to Minister for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs Hitoshi Kikawada for remarks he made regarding the Kuril Islands, Yahoo Japan reports.

Kikawada made such remarks on November 8 while visiting Cape Nosappu in Nemuro, Hokkaido, which offers views of the islands, Caliber.Az reports via Japan Today.

When asked by journalists about his impressions, the minister said: "This is the far edge of Japan. Or perhaps it would be too blunt to call these territories an edge <…> They are located closest to foreign territory, so I think it is important to see them with your own eyes."

Two days later, at a press conference, Kihara stated that Kikawada’s words had provoked mixed reactions and “could lead to misunderstandings.”

He emphasised the need for caution in public statements but ruled out dismissing the minister: "I would like Minister Kikawada to continue working diligently, keeping these points in mind."

By Khagan Isayev