Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda 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, "The Four Northern Islands are clearly an integral part of Japan's sovereign territory. It is truly regrettable that the issue has not been resolved even after 66 years since the end of the war.
There is no change to the government's policy to conclude a peace treaty. I mentioned that to President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev during the telephone talks, and recently reiterated Japan's basic stance in a face-to-face meeting with him on the occasion of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Honolulu. I intend to continue negotiating with Russia with perseverance.
It is the intention of the government to tackle the Northern Territories issue with a firm resolve in light of this proposal, and I ask for your continued support."