Research and study reports

FY 2021

Digital Catalog of Materials Related to the Northern Territories (FY 2021)

Materials related to the Northern Territories that were collected in FY 2021 were published in a digital catalog. A hearty thank you to all the contributors.

FY 2020

Fact-Finding Survey on Education about the Northern Territories at Schools

: A questionnaire survey was conducted at national, public and private junior high schools across Japan with a view to enhancing education about the Northern Territories in the future based on a clear-eyed understanding of the actual conditions of such education at schools, such as challenges and demands. The results of the survey were published in a report.
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FY 2019

Survey for the Study of Effective Youth Awareness-raising Measures about the Northern Territories Issue

: To expand the base of the Campaign for the Return of the Northern Territories, a questionnaire survey was conducted on lifestyles of the youth and their perception of the Northern Territories issue, and the results of the survey were published to encourage as many young people as possible to join the campaign as it goes forward.
Main points of the results of the survey in Report 1; Note: For detailed data on questions in Report 1, please see Report 2 below.
Main points of the results of the survey in Report 2

FY 2018

Research on Helpful Matters for the Development of Awareness-raising Projects on the Northern Territories Issue

: To expand the base of the Campaign for the Return of the Northern Territories, that is, to secure new leaders for the campaign, it is necessary to consider new project development. This is research on projects that may serve as references.
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FY 2017

The Natural Abundance of the Four Northern Islands

Mr. Noriyuki Otaishi (Chair, NPO Marine Wildlife Center of Japan): The southern limit of drift ice in the Sea of Okhotsk extends from the Shiretoko Peninsula to Uruppu Island, one of the four northern islands. The land and waters of this region have among the highest bioproductivity and biodiversity in the world. This paper focuses on the rich ecosystem of the four northern islands and on eco-cruises, which have recently become issues.
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FY 2016

In December 2016, a Japan-Russia summit was held between Prime Minister Abe and President Putin in Yamaguchi Prefecture and Tokyo. At that summit, various frank exchanges of opinion were held, including on the peace treaty issue, security, and economic cooperation. This year’s reports by three experts focus on the peace treaty issue, security, and economic cooperation based on the results of the summit and discuss the future prospects for Japan-Russia relations toward the resolution of the Northern Territories issue.

Future Prospects for Japan-Russia Relations toward the Resolution of the Northern Territories Issue (the peace treaty issue)

Mr. Itsuro Nakamura (Professor, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Tsukuba): Consideration on how joint economic activities on the four northern islands, which are an important first step toward the conclusion of a peace treaty, will lead to improvements in Japan-Russia relations toward the resolution of the Northern Territories issue
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Future Prospects for Japan-Russia Relations toward the Resolution of the Northern Territories Issue (security)

Mr. Fumiaki Inagaki (Lecturer, Faculty of International Resource Sciences, Graduate School of International Resource Sciences): Consideration on how to build security confidence between Japan and Russia, although relations with the United States must be taken into consideration in negotiations on the Northern Territories
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Private Economic Agreement on Putin's Visit to Japan and Its Significance (economic cooperation)

Mr. Kenji Horiuchi (Associate Professor, School of International Relations, University of Shizuoka): Consideration on the benefits arising from common interests of both countries through a private economic agreement when environmental improvement is advanced toward the resolution of the Northern Territories issue
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FY 2015

Aiming for the Resolution of the Northern Territories Issue: Implications of Estonia-Russia Border Negotiations

Ms. Yoko Hirose (Professor, Keio University): This article presents clues on how to solve the Northern Territories issue by examining the developments of the Estonian-Russian border issue and thereby understanding Russia’s “sense of territory,” which differs from that of Japan.
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FY 2014

The following reports from Russia by two experts consider current Japan-Russia relations based on the Ukrainian situation and the growing relationship between China and Russia in East Asia.

The Ukraine Situation and the Northern Territories Issue: A Report from Russia

Mr. Shinsuke Ishikawa (Director, NHK Moscow Bureau): Read the report

Russia-China Security Relations

Mr. Hiroshi Yamazoe (Senior Fellow, America, Europe, and Russia Division, National Institute for Defense Studies): Read the report

FY 2013

These are records of lectures given by the lecturers Hyodo and Zinberg to university students at the 2013 Northern Territories Seminar in Nemuro on September 10 and 11, 2013.

Current Situation and Prospects of the Northern Territories Issue

Mr. Shinji Hyodo (Head, America, Europe, and Russia Division, National Institute for Defense Studies): Commentary on the current situation and future prospects of the Northern Territories issue based on the developments in Japan-Russia relations after the launch of the second Abe administration
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The Northern Territories Issue from the Perspective of Russia

Mr. Yakov Zinberg (Professor, Kokushikan University): Commentary on the Northern Territories issue from the perspective of Russia based on the situation in the Far East surrounding Japan-Russia relations (history, geography, politics, economy)
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FY 2012

The Russian Situation after the Presidential Election, and Japan-Russia Relations

Mr. Nobuo Shimotomai (Professor, Hosei University): The context of Japan-Russia relations has changed dramatically over the past few years. With Putin's most recent re-election as president, what will become of Japan-Russia relations, including the Northern Territories issue? This paper considers the future of Japan-Russia relations, focusing on Russia's domestic and foreign policies.
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FY 2011

Russia's Northern Territories Development and the Recent Irredentist Movement

Mr. Yoshihiko Yamada (Professor, Tokai University): Under the Russian government's socio-economic development program for the Kurile Islands, the social situation surrounding the Northern Territories is clearly changing these days. This paper, written by an expert who has visited the four northern islands several times, considers trends in the development of the Northern Territories from a local perspective. It also refers to the recent situation of the irredentist movement, and presents and summarizes future issues.
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