In Japan, it was proposed to impose a blockade of the South Kuriles

- In order for the Russian authorities to realize the importance of solving the territorial problem, the Japanese government must demonstrate its readiness and ability to block the Soy (La Perouse) and Tsugaru (Sangar) Strait, which are the main supply routes between the mainland of Russia and the four "northern islands" , - quoted his statement on the portal Newsweek Japan.

The political scientist believes that now the country's leadership should not rush to resolve the Kuril issue, since it should wait until "the national power of Russia decreases, as in the 1990s".

At the same time, the former diplomat agrees that a weakening of Russian "power" is not expected in the future, and therefore Japan should "get together" and tune in to a "long process." But Tokyo must now "destroy the main prerequisite for Russia's position" and prove to the whole world that "the Yalta agreement in itself does not determine the change in the borders between Russia and Japan", - Kawatao emphasizes.

He also notes that "excessive hype" in the media is not needed, and it would be more correct to "keep calm and composure state of mind".

“We need to build relations with Russia in a comprehensive manner, gradually trying to create moods in it that are beneficial for us from the point of view of resolving the territorial issue”, - the expert believes.

Let us note that the tactics of long, slow negotiations are a characteristic feature of the conduct of politics in Asia. An example of this is the behavior of the Japanese government regarding the issue of the so-called "northern territories" - the islands of Habomai, Shikotan, Iturup and Kunashira. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe retired without making any progress on this issue with the Russian side, now Yoshihide Suga, who has replaced him, makes another statement of intentions to put an end to the problem with the "northern territories". In doing so, he promises to adhere to the course of his predecessor.

Note that Akio Kawatao, during his work at the Japanese Foreign Ministry, was three times on business trips to the USSR. He currently teaches at the University of Tokyo and Waseda University as a visiting professor.

Let us recall that the question of the fate of the South Kuriles has remained a stumbling block in bilateral relations between Tokyo and Moscow for several decades.

A peace treaty between Russia and Japan has not been concluded since the end of World War II. The main obstacle to signing it remains the territorial dispute over the southern part of the Kuriles - the islands of Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and the Habomai group. The Japanese side considers the South Kurils as its own and does not recognize Russian influence over them. In turn, the Russian leadership rejects these territorial claims.