Northern Territories Day

February 7, Friday

Northern Territories Day is an annual Japanese event celebrated on February 7 to commemorate the territorial dispute between Japan and Russia over four islands in the southern Kuril Islands: Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and Habomai. The holiday is officially called Northern Territories Day and is dedicated to the national campaign to return the islands to Japan.

History of the holiday
The date of the holiday is associated with the signing of the Treaty of Shimoda on February 7, 1855, between Japan and the Russian Empire, which for the first time delineated the border between the two countries and recognized the Kuril Islands as Japanese. However, after World War II, the islands were occupied by the Soviet Union, and since then Japan and Russia have been engaged in diplomatic disputes over sovereignty over them.

Holiday events
Rallies are held in Tokyo and other major cities, attended by high-ranking politicians, activists, and citizens advocating for a peaceful solution to the issue of the Northern Territories.

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Northern Territories Day in other years

2021 February 7, Sunday
2022 February 7, Monday
2023 February 7, Tuesday
2024 February 7, Wednesday
2026 February 7, Saturday