Russia denies Hokkaido mayor entry over Japan's sanctions

japan? Ukraine? why sanction our neighbour over a east europe problem? how about to be nice and trade with our neighbours. my neighbours always give me free daikon, and i give them free blueberries. both happy.

never trust Russia. if not penalized, they will just bully more, other neighbors such as Japan.

Why is Japan even interested in developing the Northern Territories? It's a thankless job that Putin just wants to manipulate for diplomatic game.

They like to punch first, and think that they are exempted from the vagaries of opposite reaction. Eventually, when it does come, they act/ are stunned that someone even dared!!

group were seized by the Soviet Union 

it's not a 'seized' it's just contribution after WW2 (yep SU did't sign but it's was)

Maybe another Japan Russia war?