TOKYO CONSIDERS COUNTERMEASURES FOLLOWING PUTIN'S VISIT TO KURIL ISLANDS

TOKYO, AUGUST 14 /SRNA - RIA Novosti/ - The Japanese Government is considering countermeasures following Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the Far Eastern island of Iturup, Japanese broadcaster NHK reported.

Among other things, Tokyo is considering the possibility of tightening sanctions it has imposed on Moscow in coordination with Western countries, the broadcaster reported.

President Putin visited the Far Eastern Kuril island of Iturup yesterday and stressed that Russia's sovereignty over the islands is indisputable.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry subsequently filed a protest note with Russia over Putin's visit to Iturup. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the visit unacceptable, claiming that the island is "originally Japanese".