The narrative of the «Northern Territories» in the socio-political discourse of contemporary Japan

The article analyzes the Japanese official narrative about the “Northern Territories,” which is widespread in Japanese society and serves as a key factor in the formation of a bad image of Russia in Japan. Of particular importance from the point of view of the emotional effect on public consciousness are the theses that the Southern Kurils are the “ancestral territory of Japan,” that the USSR committed aggressive and unfair actions against Japan during World War II, and modern Russia did not correct them, and that the Japanese natives of the Southern Kurils experience enormous moral suffering, not having the opportunity to freely visit the graves of their ancestors. The article examines the organizational structure of state, public, and socio- political organizations designed to ensure public policy to popularize this narrative and shows the features of its reflection in school textbooks, museums, and memorial complexes. With the support of the authorities, the Movement for the Return of the “Northern Territories” has been launched, manifesting itself in mass rallies, demonstrations, propaganda caravans, lectures, and exhibitions, which are organized throughout the country. The author focuses special attention on such events as the “Northern Territories Day” held annually on February 7, as well as the collection of signatures calling for the return of the “Northern Territories,” which has been held since the early 1980s.
Japanese media coverage of the situation in Ukraine has significantly added negativity to the already rather gloomy image of Russia in Japan. In many reports, as well as in the reaction of the political authorities, one can sense a desire to link Russian actions in Ukraine with Russia’s policy regarding the border issue with Japan.
In conclusion, the author notes that, despite all the efforts of the government, Japanese public opinion turns out to be relatively poorly informed about the problem of the “Northern Territories.” At the same time, as the generations change, the interest towards this problem is gradually decreasing, especially among young people. Besides, there is a process of realizing the futility of maintaining a hard line in the government’s approach to solving it. The humanitarian aspect of the problem, related to visits to graves by former islanders and members of their families, causes the greatest public outcry, but even this aspect, as the results of public opinion polls show, has a limited effect.

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