The Russian President's recent visit to the Russian-held Kuril Islands, specifically to the Iturup Island, known as Etorofu Island in Japan, has stirred up diplomatic tensions. Japan's foreign minister, Motegi Toshimitsu, has lodged protest against this act, arguing that the Kuril Islands are a matter of territorial dispute between Japan and Russia. Expressing Japan's stand, he underlined that such visits only serve to heighten the ongoing political disagreements.

The territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands has been a longstanding issue between Japan and Russia since World War II. The islands are close to Japan and were once under Japanese control. The Japanese public and government view visits of foreign dignitaries to these disputed areas as a disregard for Japan's territorial claims, which sparks wide national outrage and news coverage.

Territorial disputes are present in many parts of the world, including the U.S. and EU. Such issues are typically handled through diplomatic negotiations, international arbitration, or legal proceedings. The U.S. also visibly protests when foreign dignitaries visit disputed territories, highlighting its stance on respect for territorial claims and sovereignty.