Northern Territories Day

Today, and February 7th annually, is Northern Territories Day (北方領土の日). The anniversary was established by the Japanese government in 1981 to promote public awareness and support for the movement to return the Northern Territories.

These islands—Kunashiri, Etorofu, the Habomai Islands, and Shikotan—are currently administered by Russia. However, they were recognized as Japanese territory in the 1855 Treaty of Commerce, Navigation and Delimitation, also known as the Treaty of Shimoda. Signed in Shimoda between the Edo Shogunate and Imperial Russia, the treaty marked the first formal border agreement between the two nations and is the reason February 7th was chosen for the commemoration.

Each year, Japan holds the National Rally to Demand the Return of the Northern Territories in Tokyo, and related lectures, exhibitions, and signature‑gathering campaigns take place across the country. These activities aim to deepen public understanding of the territorial issue and maintain momentum for a peaceful resolution.