One month after President Putin's visit to the Northern Territories of Etorofu Island, there are growing concerns about the Japanese government's response.

The 13th marks one month since Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Etorofu Island in the Northern Territories. Although the Japanese government strongly protested, it is concerned that if it takes concrete countermeasures such as tightening sanctions, ``Japan-Russia relations will further deteriorate'' (a senior Foreign Ministry official). While the situation in the Middle East is not improving, we cannot ignore the need to secure a stable supply of Russian oil and natural gas, and are doing nothing.

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"We would like to seize this opportunity and strengthen our approach to the Russian side." Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi was asked about his future response at a press conference on the 11th, and only said the following. He ruled out the possibility of temporarily recalling Russia's Ambassador Ken Muto to demonstrate a strong stance.

Even after his visit to Etorofu, Putin continued to make coercive statements in which he shelved the invasion of Ukraine, such as claiming that Japan was "all to blame" for the deterioration in Japan-Russia relations. Russia erected a monument in Khabarovsk, Far East, on the occasion of Victory over Japan Day on September 3rd. It continues to carry out military operations around Japan, and is stepping up cooperation with China regarding historical recognition.

In response to Putin's visit, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi declared, ``This has made it difficult to restore relations in the medium to long term.'' However, there is a growing sense of caution within the government, saying, ``If we retaliate, we will give Russia an excuse to escalate'' and ``We don't want to strangle ourselves in economic areas such as energy,'' and no new measures have been taken.

According to government officials, the prime minister was furious at the Foreign Ministry for not detecting the visit in advance. In response to the criticism leveled at him for being "weak," he began requiring him to report on Russia's movements step by step.

Meanwhile, on the 10th, he met with Liberal Democratic Party member Muneo Suzuki, who has a unique connection to Russia. According to a person involved, he admitted that the outlook is not bright, saying, ``It is important to resume visiting northern tombs, but there is no point in doing so right now.'' Foreign Ministry officials expressed confusion as the Prime Minister did not provide a concrete strategy, saying, ``We haven't received any clear instructions.''