Prime Minister Naoto Kan received a request to the government on the return of the Northern Territories at the Prime Minister's Office.

After receiving a letter of request from Ms. Harumi Takahashi, Governor of Hokkaido, who represents the petitioners, the Prime Minister said in his address, "During the bilateral meeting with Russia on the sidelines of the APEC meeting two days ago, I made it clear to President Medvedev directly that the Four Northern Islands are an integral part of Japan's sovereign territory, and that from this stance it is unacceptable for Japan that the President stepped foot in Kunashiri Island.
As the Four Northern Islands is a long standing issue with complex history, I believe it is necessary for Japan to tackle it strategically and with a sense of clear direction. I would therefore like to approach the negotiation, or the recent incident of Kunashiri, with a strategic viewpoint, while considering opinions from everyone. In any case, public support is essential. Also, since I hear that surviving former islanders are becoming increasingly fewer, I would like to make the utmost efforts to resolve this issue."