Russian patriotism flourishes in the Far EastーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Northern Territories: Islands disputed between Russia and Japan (Shikotan being specifically featured).
• Special Military Operation: Russian government’s euphemism for the invasion of Ukraine.
• Frontier Mentality: A sense of vulnerability and the need for self-defense due to living in a border region.
• Repatriation: The process of returning former residents to their homeland (specifically referring to Japanese citizens removed after WWII).
• Visa-Free Exchange Program: A program allowing citizens of Russia and Japan to visit the Northern Territories/Hokkaido without visas, currently suspended.

Support for the War in Ukraine on Shikotan Island

The report focuses on Shikotan Island, one of the four islands comprising the Northern Territories currently under Russian control but claimed by Japan, and examines the reasons behind local support for Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine. The island has a population of approximately 3,000 people and is described as “the edge of the world” within Russia. A key driver of support appears to be a “frontier mentality” stemming from the island’s geographically vulnerable position. Residents feel a need to defend their territory, fearing potential future invasion if they do not actively participate in conflicts like the one in Ukraine.

The Case of Vitali Nazaroa and the Frontier Mentality

Nachifan Nazaroa, a resident of Shikotan, lost her husband, Vitali, two years ago while fighting in Ukraine. Nazaroa attributes her husband’s decision to volunteer for service in a distant conflict to this prevailing “frontier mentality.” She explains that Vitali believed protecting “what was ours” was crucial, stating, “He believed he had to fight to protect what was ours because if we don't fight today, we'll be the ones who are invaded tomorrow.” This perspective highlights a perceived direct link between Russia’s actions in Ukraine and the security of the Northern Territories.

Russian Casualties and Patriotic Appeals

The report notes that Russia has not publicly released official casualty figures for the war in Ukraine. However, citing a survey, it states that the estimated number of Russian military deaths exceeds 170,000. Despite these losses, President Vladimir Putin continues to advocate for continued military action, appealing to national patriotism. He stated, “We’d like to support the heroes taking part in the special military operation through our words and actions. Millions of Russians stand with you. We believe in our victory.” This rhetoric appears to be resonating with residents of Shikotan, as evidenced by Nazaroa’s subsequent volunteer work.

Community Response and Volunteer Efforts

Following her husband’s death, Nazaroa initiated a volunteer effort to provide food supplies to Russian soldiers fighting on the front lines in Ukraine. This action reflects a broader sense of unity and collective support for the war effort within the community, encapsulated by her statement, “We shouldn't be scattered apart. We have to come together.” The presence of an image of Italy in the town suggests a network of support extending beyond the immediate region.

Impact on Japan-Russia Relations and the Visa-Free Program

The war in Ukraine has negatively impacted relations between Russia and Japan, specifically concerning the Northern Territories. The previously existing visa-free exchange program, which allowed citizens of both countries to visit each other’s territories, has been suspended with no clear timeline for resumption. This suspension is causing distress among residents of both Shikotan and Hokkaido.

Concerns of Former Japanese Residents

Kawajino, a 77-year-old former resident of Shikotan repatriated to Ishikari City, Hokkaido after World War II, expresses deep concern over the suspension of the exchange program. Her primary worry is the potential loss of access to her grandfather’s unmarked grave located in a Japanese cemetery on the island. She placed a plastic bottle as a marker, but fears its location will be forgotten. She articulates a desire for both the return of the islands and, more immediately, the reinstatement of free access for visits, stating, “I want to say, give the island back. But first of all, I would say, let us go freely. I want us to be allowed to set foot on the island whenever we wish. While I still have some memories left, I can pass more to my children.”

Divergent Views on the Exchange Program

While many islanders welcome the resumption of the visa-free exchange program, some hold opposing views. One resident asserted, “This is land our ancestors won and it belongs to us. There is nothing for Japanese people to do here,” reflecting a strong sense of territorial ownership and resistance to Japanese presence.

Synthesis

The report demonstrates a complex interplay of factors driving support for the war in Ukraine among residents of Shikotan Island. A “frontier mentality” fueled by the island’s strategic location and perceived vulnerability, coupled with strong patriotic appeals from the Russian government, appears to be a significant influence. However, this support comes at the cost of strained relations with Japan and causes considerable distress to former Japanese residents who are now largely prevented from visiting ancestral lands and gravesites. The suspension of the visa-free exchange program highlights the broader geopolitical consequences of the conflict in Ukraine and its impact on the long-standing territorial dispute between Russia and Japan.