Tokyo, Aug. 13 -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday sternly criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Iturup Island in the disputed Northern Territories, warning that the "absolutely unacceptable" move severely damages bilateral ties and deepens anti-Russian sentiment within Japan.

Earlier today, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Ituruo, known in Japan as Etorofu Island, in his first trip to one of the four islands in the Russian-held, Japanese-claimed Kuril island chain, as per Russia's official TASS news agency.

Takaichi addressing an informal press conference at the official residence following reports of the visit, highlighted that Tokyo had repeatedly urged Moscow to refrain from high-level pres...