‘A new approach’ to Prime Minister Abe’s policy on Russia - Focusing on joint economic activities -

At the summit held in Japan in December 2016, the leaders of both countries agreed to advance to the common goal of peace treaty by actually contributing to the development of the four islands of conflict and improving the lives of the people through joint economic activities at the based on the 「new approach」. Both leaders also agreed to expand the free visit for the people who was lived the islands.BR Thus, Japanese Prime Minister Abe intends to transform the island into the same island that was returned through the joint economic activities and freedom of free visits in the islands. In this way, he wants to draw the future of the disputed island first. And Japanʹs proposal is to carry out the joint economic activities in the conflict four islands under the 「special system」 which does not impair the legal position of both sides. It is already over a year, but the working‐level meetings of the two countries on ʺspecial systemʺ are being held, they are not making progress on the specific discussion.BR In order not to take past experience, activities under the 「special system」 said by Prime Minister Abe are necessary. In the press announcement after the summit meeting, it is said that it will be carried out by the governments of both countries under the 「international promise」. As such, they agreed to pursue joint economic activities in a way that does not hinder each otherʹs position. This is an unique approach for the future. Joint economic activities on conflict islands should not violate each otherʹs sovereignty. And if they create a framework like ʺlegal joint managementʺ and work under it, they will be able to breathe new winds into the territory negotiations in deadlock situation. This will lead to the coexistence of the two countries on this disputed island.BR Therefore, the two countries need to create a system of coexistence and co‐prosperity in a way that does not interfere with the otherʹs position. With this approach, the two countries should accumulate confidence in the disputed islands. If we can proceed to the peace treaty in this way, the Abe administrationʹs Russian policy can be said to be a good start towards a stable peace treaty.BR In this paper I would like to look at Abeʹs new approach to Russia from three aspects. First, what is 「a new approach」 to Prime Minister Abeʹs new policy on Russia, what are the 8 items of economic cooperation plans and how are they being pursued? Second, I will look at the historical progress and meaning of joint economic activities on the disputed islands, and the progress of field surveys and free visits by former residents. Thirdly, I will try to analyze the issues and prospects of joint economic activities under the 「special system」 which does not impair the legal position of both sides.