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Japan has protested to Russia over its plan to boost troop strength on disputed Kuril Islands, Japan's top government spokesman said on Thursday, the latest move in a territorial row that has overshadowed ties since World War Two, Reuters reports.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference the government was closely monitoring Russia's actions and analyzing information.

"If the move leads to the reinforcement of Russian military on the islands, it would be incompatible with Japan's stance and it is regrettable as they are inherently our territory," he said.

Suga made the comment after media reports that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu talked about a plan to deploy a military division to the islands, including areas Japan claims as its territory, this year.

Suga also noted that the Japanese side seeks to continue the talks over the settlement of the dispute and to reach a mutually acceptable decision.