Tokiko Kato sparks controversy over Northern Territories comments

Singer Tokiko Kato has sparked controversy following comments made on the TBS program ‘Sunday Morning’ regarding the Northern Territories. During the broadcast, Kato stated that she had researched the matter and concluded that the Northern Territories are currently ‘owned by Russia.’ She further suggested that an objective judgment is necessary regarding the fact that the territories were under Soviet control at the end of the war.

Her remarks followed a visit to Etorofu Island by Russian President Vladimir Putin. In response to the visit, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed strong protest, asserting that the islands are an inherent part of Japanese territory under both history and international law. During the program, Mitsuji Yabu, a former Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, also emphasized that the Japanese government cannot recognize Russian sovereignty over the islands.

Following Kato's statement, TBS announcer Kengo Komada provided a correction, noting that the more accurate description is that Russia exercises ‘effective control’ over the islands rather than legal ownership. The debate has drawn significant attention online, with critics arguing her comments undermine Japan's official stance that the islands are under illegal Russian occupation.