Russia and Japan are engaged in a diplomatic dispute, each blaming the other for the deterioration of their bilateral relations. Tensions have escalated amid joint military exercises between Japan, the United States, and Australia, intertwined with the territorial dispute over the four Kuril Islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories.
On September 2, Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking to reporters during his visit to Kyrgyzstan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, asserted that "the current deterioration in relations is entirely Japan's responsibility."
Putin emphasized that Russia has not taken actions to worsen relations with Japan and has responded cautiously. He also highlighted that Russia has been willing to discuss a peace treaty, which includes the Kuril Islands issue.
He expressed surprise at the strong objections from the Japanese government regarding his visit to the Kuril Islands, stating, "I am shocked by their overall attitude toward Russia."
In response, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno refuted Putin's claims, stating at a press conference that the current serious state of Japan-Russia relations is due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He added, "We cannot accept statements implying that Japan bears any responsibility."
However, Matsuno left the door open for dialogue with Russia, noting, "As Russia is our neighbor, it is important to manage our relations appropriately," and indicated that Japan would respond with its national interests in mind.
At the heart of the conflict are the four Kuril Islands. Russia has effectively controlled the region since the Soviet Union occupied it at the end of World War II in 1945, but Japan continues to assert its claim. The two countries have yet to sign a peace treaty due to this territorial dispute since the end of World War II.
Tensions intensified further when Putin made an unannounced visit to Iturup, one of the four islands, on August 13.
Military tensions are also rising. In response to Japan's plans for large-scale joint exercises with the U.S. and Australia, Russia has warned of potential countermeasures.
According to NHK, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated at a press conference on September 1 that Russia had conveyed its concerns to the Japanese embassy in Moscow regarding Japan's joint training plans.
Zakharova emphasized, "We will not tolerate provocative military activities near the Russian border," warning that Russia would take appropriate countermeasures to protect its security.
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force is set to conduct joint exercises called "Orient Shield" with U.S. and Australian forces from September 8 to 24. The training area includes Hokkaido, which is adjacent to Russia and close to the Kuril Islands.
Japan has stated that it will continue to communicate its position to Russia and address current issues between the two nations. With the longstanding territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands compounded by the Ukraine war and military training issues, the cooling of Japan-Russia relations is expected to persist for the foreseeable future.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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