Assistance for the Residents of the Four Northern Islands
(Provision of Humanitarian assistance materials for FY1998)

October 28, 1998

1. As emergency humanitarian assistance for the residents of the Four Northern Islands for FY1998, the Government of Japan has decided to extend assistance materials to residents of Kunashiri Island, Shikotan Island, and Etorofu Island. An assistance mission for the purpose will be dispatched from October 30 (Fri.) to November 6 (Fri.).
   
   
2. Taking into account the food situation on the Four Northern Islands during the coming winter, the Government of Japan will provide the three islands above with food totalling 140 tons, including potatoes, wheat, rice, salt, sugar, and vegetable oil. Etorofu Island and Shikotan Island, where the electric power supply is unstable, will be provided with small diesel electrical generators (two for each island) to serve as an emergency power source for hospitals, diesel fuel for half a year, and spare parts for three years. In addition, the Government of Japan will provide medicine, syringes, etc., to the three islands.
   
   
3. A fire burned down the power station in Anama, Shikotan Island, on October 14. It is said that approximately 1,000 residents of the island are living without electricity. In response to a request made by the residents of Shikotan Island, the Government of Japan has decided to provide 2,000 gas cylinders for cassette stoves, 1,000 candles, and 300 flashlights and dry cells. Japanese experts will accompany the assistance mission to conduct and on-the spot investigation of requirements for the restoration of the destroyed power station. The Government of Japan intends to study future measures taking into account the result of this investigation by the experts.
   
   
4. The Government of Japan has extended emergency successive assistance to the residents of the Four Northern Islands, who continue to live under difficult conditions. The provision of the present assistance materials forms a part of these efforts. It is expected that mutual understanding and confidence with the residents of the Four Northern Islands will be further deepened by this assistance.
   
   

Related Information (Japan's Northern Territories)