Society

Putin: Lack of peace treaty with Japan 'nonsense'

Sep 04 (NHK) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has stressed his willingness to continue peace treaty negotiations with Japan, which include the issue of four Russian-held islands claimed by Japan.

Putin spoke at an international economic forum held in the Russian Far East city of Vladivostok on Friday.

Putin called the absence of a peace treaty "nonsense," and said Russia has never rejected the process that leads to the signing of the treaty.

Russia's constitution was amended last year to ban the ceding of territory. But Putin said this will not change Moscow's approach in terms of concluding the treaty.

Putin added that the negotiations must accompany assurances of Russian security. He reiterated his belief that Japan must consider Russia's concerns over the Japan-US security alliance.

The territorial issue has prevented the two sides from concluding the treaty. Russia controls the islands. Japan claims them. The Japanese government maintains that the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. It says the islands were illegally occupied after World War Two.

At the forum, Putin also said Japanese and other foreign companies that do business on the islands will be exempted from key taxes for 10 years. He added that the area would also become a tariff-free zone.

Source: TBS NEWS

University of Tokyo Raises Tuition Fees for First Time in 20 Years

The University of Tokyo has officially decided to increase tuition by approximately 110,000 yen for incoming undergraduate students starting next academic year, bringing the total to 642,960 yen.

Japanese Ambassador Visits Dalian Following Student Death

Following the tragic stabbing and death of a child attending a Japanese school in China, Japanese Ambassador to China, Kenji Kanasugi, visited a local city to urge the Chinese government to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals residing in the area, as concerns grew among the local Japanese community.

Flooding Hits Temporary Housing in Quake-Stricken Wajima

Flooding has reached the temporary housing in Wajima City, built for earthquake victims, and volunteers have begun clearing the mud starting on September 24.

Russian military plane intrudes into Japanese airspace, Tokyo lodges protest

A Japanese government spokesperson says a Russian military airplane entered Japanese airspace three times on Monday. (NHK)

Kishida vows in meeting with Zelenskyy continued support for Ukraine

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has conveyed his country's intention to maintain support for Ukraine to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (NHK)

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Woman in Floral Mini-Skirt Targets Zoo Outlets with Mysterious Tape

Strange incidents involving a woman placing black tape on outlets have been occurring around zoos in the Izu area of Shizuoka Prefecture.

Japanese Households with Buddhist Altars Has Drastically Decreased

As the number of households with Buddhist altars continues to decline, largely due to space limitations in modern housing, wholesalers of Buddhist goods are struggling with unsold inventory.

Twelve Referred to Prosecutors for Alleged Abuse at Kuwana Festival Horse Event

Twelve individuals involved in the traditional 'Ageuma Shinji' horse event held last year at Tado Shrine in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture, have been referred to prosecutors on allegations of violent behavior toward horses, including forcing them up steep slopes.