The Four Russian-held Northern Islands

by Ryosuke Tanaka
(Hyogo Prefecture)

As of 2013, the Japanese and Japanese government are demanding that Russia give back the Northern islands. However, it is still a long and arduous way to the achievement of the goal, so it doesn't look as though negotiations with Russia are going to be successful.

Objectively, I can not imagine that they will be returned and become our territory.

My friend who came from Nemuro, Hokkaido said, "Young people don't think that they will be returned. People who demand the return seriously are just old people."

I think so too, but it may be stupid to give up.

Actually, I don't know the issue in detail. I obtained the knowledge and I think it's important to hold my opinion tightly as a Japanese.