noun
Northern Territories; Southern Kuril Islands
Refers to the four islands (Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan, and the Habomai group) administered by Russia but claimed by Japan. Often used in political and historical contexts.
日本政府は北方領土の返還を求めている。
The Japanese government demands the return of the Northern Territories.
北
The Northern Territories issue is a major challenge in Japan-Russia relations.