"If such a danger were to emerge, I would not exclude the possibility of accepting the invitation of Mr. [Oleg] Belaventsev [to set up residence in Crimea]. I am grateful for it."
On Wednesday, Liberal Democratic Party politician Takashi Fukaya bashed Hatoyama, suggesting that Japanese authorities should take away his passport, Japanese internet news service Blogos reported. Fukaya noted that Hatoyama's visit to Crimea (which is not officially recognized as a part of Russia by Tokyo) as akin to "treason."
In response to Fukaya's statement, Oleg Belaventsev, Presidential Envoy to Crimea, told Hatoyama that "if your democrats give you a hard time, we will welcome you here at once. Stay with us; we are always happy to be among friends."
Hatoyama has gained the ire of Tokyo for his decision to visit Crimea this week. Explaining that he wanted "to see with my own eyes how people in Crimea are feeling," the former Prime Minister has since concluded that he believes that Crimea's decision to separate from Ukraine and join Russia last year was an expression of "the real will of the Crimean people." Hatoyama has also stated that it is time for Japan to renounce its sanctions policy against Russia.
"I believe it's time for Japan to wake up and face the reality. Let the other countries continue their policy of sanctions against Russia, but Japan should independently renounce this policy," Hatoyama said.
Japan joined in with US and European anti-Russian sanctions in March, 2014, postponing talks on international investment, collaboration in space research and plans for a simplified visa regime. Japan has not recognized the results of the Crimea referendum on independence from Ukraine and reunification with Russia.
