The expression "illegal occupation" of Southern Kurils reappeared on Japan's history and geography textbooks for middle schoolers approved by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. In this connection the Russian Foreign Ministry clarified that Russia's sovereignty over the archipelago leaves no doubt as it was based on the results of the Second World War.

The ministry said it could not but express regret at the Japanese authorities' act of implanting unfriendly spirit and attitude towards neighboring countries of Japan into the minds of the younger generation.