The United Nations has sparked controversy in Japan by releasing a new map that colors the disputed Northern Territories in Russian tones. This decision indicates a tacit endorsement of Russia's territorial claim, which has not been well received in Japan. The issue dates back to the aftermath of World War II and remains a thorny point of contention between the two nations.

The Northern Territories dispute is an ongoing issue in Japan, frequently making headlines and shaping Japan's foreign policy towards Russia. The UN's depiction of these territories as Russian impacts Japan's claim and fuels nationalistic feelings among the populace. It also has potential implications on bilateral relations between Japan and Russia, as well as Japan's interaction with the UN.

Territorial disputes in the US and EU are handled differently, often mediated by international law and arbitration agreements. However, strong national sentiments can still be evoked, as seen in the US's stance on territories such as Puerto Rico, or disputes between EU countries like the UK and Spain over Gibraltar.