Former Japanese Resident Dies on Way Home from Russian-Held Isle

June 13, 2018

Tokyo- A Japanese man, who was once a resident of a Russian-held island, has died on his way back from a visa-free trip to the island, the Japanese government said Tuesday.

No foul play is suspected in the death of Akira Ito, 78, Teru Fukui, minister in charge of northwestern Pacific islands held by Moscow but claimed by Tokyo, told a press conference.

It is the first time that a participant has died during a visa-free visit to the islands, according to the Cabinet Office.

Ito left a port in Nemuro, Hokkaido, northern Japan, by ship on Wednesday and visited Etorofu, one of the disputed islands.

He was found lying in a bathroom past 3 a.m. Saturday (6 p.m. Friday GMT), while the ship was at anchor off Kunashiri, another of the islands, for procedures to leave the area.

Ito was confirmed dead by a doctor who accompanied those making the trip. Jiji Press