Tokyo has refrained from accepting Moscow's proposal to jointly develop the four disputed islands off Hokkaido with Japan to help settle the prolonged territorial dispute.
The four isles off Hokkaido, Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan and the Habomai, were seized by the Soviet Union shortly after Japan surrendered to the Allied powers on Aug. 15, 1945.
Earlier in April, Japanese premier Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to accelerate the stalled talks.
According to the Japan Times, Russia had proposed Japan government to participate with the private sector in large infrastructure and energy development projects on the islands.
Meanwhile, Tokyo has refused to accept the idea because it would mean recognizing Russian sovereignty over the islands.
