Monday, February 7, 2011

2月7日(nigatsu nanoka): February 7

Hopporyodo no hi (北方領土の日), the day of the Northern Territory. It is the day to deepen the nation's understanding and interest of the dispute and promote the movement for the return of the Northern Terrytory. The day was established in memory of the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation between Japan and Russia concluded on February 7, 1855.
There are four islands where there is a dispute between Russia and Japan. They are Etorofu to (択捉島), Kunashiri to (国後島), Shikotan to(色丹島) and Habamai gunto (歯舞群島). They are Japanese territories, but since the end of World War II, they have been under control of Russia. There are many native Japanese people that lived there before but were ejected and are not able to return.
I hope this problem will be fixed soon.

Talking of Northern Area, Sapporo  Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり:Sapporo yuki matsuri) started today. It will last until February 13. About 2 million visitors are expected to visit there.
I wish I could visit there someday.

No comments:

Post a Comment