Japan has summoned the Russian ambassador to protest the arrest of a Japanese journalist in the Russian Far East without explanation. Tokyo is demanding humane treatment for the detained man and immediate access to him. The Japanese Foreign Ministry also expressed its disapproval of a recent visit by a Chinese delegation to Etorofu Island, part of the Kuril Islands archipelago, which is disputed territory between Japan and Russia. This dual protest underscores heightened tensions concerning both freedom of the press and territorial sovereignty. The Japanese government views the journalist’s detention as unacceptable and is seeking full transparency regarding the situation. Furthermore, the visit to Etorofu – which Japan refers to as one of the Northern Territories – is considered a violation of Japan’s claims to the islands. The situation highlights ongoing complexities in Japan-Russia relations.