Japan PM says Putin’s visit to disputed islands ‘absolutely unacceptable’

Russian state media reported that Putin ed Iturup, known in Japan as Etorofu, one of four islands in the Kuril chain that are claimed by Russia and Japan.

Putin's trip "has worsened Japanese sentiment towards Russia," Takaichi told reporters, maintaining the island chain was "a unique territory of [Japan] historically and under international law".

Russia also holds regular military drills near the islands, drawing condemnation from Japan.