A group of young people have learned about the Northern Territories aboard a special ship in Nemuro City in the northern Japanese prefecture of Hokkaido.
Russia controls the four islands. Japan claims them. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan’s territory. It says the islands were illegally occupied after World War Two.
On Sunday, about 60 students and their guardians took part in an event. This comes as Japan marks 80 years since the end of World War Two and faces the challenge of preserving the memories of the territories.
The participants from the city and elsewhere boarded the Etopirika, a dedicated ship used for the exchange program with the four islands. They first learned about the history of the Northern Territories and the invasion by troops from the former Soviet Union.
They then set sail for the vicinity of Cape Nosappu to view the islands. Despite the cloudy weather, Kunashiri Island and the Habomai Islands were clearly visible.
Parts of the Habomai Islands can be seen with the naked eye from the cape. Local children were amazed, as the islands looked much larger than usual.
One boy from Nemuro said he wanted to get even closer to the islands. He also said he wants to learn more about the territorial issue.
Arai Toru, a Nemuro city official in charge of Northern Territories affairs, said the aim of the event is to get as many young people as possible to think about the territories.
He said he hopes this will serve as an opportunity for them to see this issue as one that is close to home.
AloJapan.com