Japan-Russia relations

Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has seriously damaged Russia-Japan relations, and the fallout continues to be felt.

Kishida’s response to the war in Ukraine has been surprisingly robust.

In northernmost Hokkaido, residents can easily see Russian-held islands that once belonged to Japan. Some still hold out hope for the islands’ return.

Insights from Jeffrey Hornung.

Japan has changed its approach to Russia compared to past editions of the annual report. Has Tokyo given up on a peace treaty with Moscow?

Tokyo is taking a greater role in the international effort against Russia's invasion of Ukraine because of concerns about its impact on East Asia, where China's military has grown increasingly assertive.

Japan’s unprecedented sanctions on Russia have angered the Kremlin, leading Russia to cut diplomatic ties with Tokyo.

Ukraine’s president called for Japan to ban trade with Russia in a virtual address to Japan’s parliament.

Tokyo appears to have finally realized that Putin has no intention of ever handing any of the disputed islands back to Japanese control.

Japan’s sanctions on Russia could spell the end of previous efforts to resolve the long-standing territorial dispute. 

Japan-Russia relations look set for a lull under Prime Minister Kishida. But there are good reason to continue economic cooperation in the Russian Far East.