Prime Minister Ishiba Meets with Northern Youth Representatives to Discuss the Future of the Northern Territories
Tokyo, Japan – July 29, 2025 – Prime Minister Fumio Kishida received a delegation of young representatives from the Northern Territories yesterday at the Prime Minister’s Office. The group comprised junior high school students who are third and fourth-generation descendants of former residents of the Northern Territories, commonly known as the “Hoppo Shonen Shojo” (Northern Youth).
The meeting, held on the morning of July 29th, provided a significant opportunity for the Prime Minister to engage directly with the younger generation who carry the legacy and aspirations related to these islands. The discussions focused on the enduring importance of the Northern Territories and the hopes of future generations regarding their return.
During the heartfelt exchange, the young representatives shared their perspectives and their deep connection to the ancestral homeland, despite never having lived there themselves. They conveyed their earnest desire for a resolution to the territorial issue and expressed their commitment to keeping the memory and significance of the Northern Territories alive.
Prime Minister Kishida listened attentively to the students’ concerns and aspirations, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to resolving the Northern Territories issue and concluding a peace treaty with Russia. He acknowledged the importance of the younger generation’s voices in this ongoing endeavor and assured the delegates that their passion and connection to the islands are vital in pursuing a peaceful and just solution.
The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s steadfast policy and its ongoing diplomatic efforts. He stressed that the aspiration for the return of the Northern Territories is a national sentiment that transcends generations and that the government will continue to work diligently towards this goal, taking into account the wishes of former residents and their descendants.
This meeting underscores the government’s recognition of the crucial role that youth play in advocating for national interests and preserving cultural heritage. By engaging with these young descendants, Prime Minister Kishida demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that the issue of the Northern Territories remains a priority and that the voices of those most deeply connected to the islands are heard and valued. The exchange served as a poignant reminder of the long-standing nature of this issue and the continued hope for a future where the Northern Territories can be peacefully resolved.
石破総理は北方少年少女（北方領土元居住者の３・４世等の中学生）による表敬を受けました
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
首相官邸 published ‘石破総理は北方少年少女（北方領土元居住者の３・４世等の中学生）による表敬を受けました’ at 2025-07-29 05:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.