Russian-Japanese relations. The situation in the Far East remains tense

On August 13, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin personally visited the Kuril Islands for the first time. The visit immediately provoked a reaction from Tokyo, where the Kuril Islands have been considered “disputed territory” since the end of World War II.

 The Russian ambassador to Japan was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to express a “strong protest”, and the country's prime minister stated that Putin's visit to the Kuril Islands “worsened relations between the two countries” and “offended the feelings of the Japanese people”.

Of course, these are just big words and symbolism inherent in international relations and diplomacy. However, the roots of the conflict over the Kuril Islands lie much deeper and reflect not only the geopolitical realities of the region but also Japan's domestic politics.

Revanchist sentiments regarding the Kuril Islands have been nurtured in Japan for a long time and are considered a “national treasure” supported by any administration. Post-war Japan is simultaneously flirting with nationalist forces, whose ideology is not far removed from militaristic times, and with pro-American forces, which form the backbone of power.

 Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is a prime example of a partner that is “too close” to the United States. Takaichi, like many other politicians on the islands, studiously forgets who bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki and strengthens military cooperation, including against China, as Chinese analysts directly state.

In the face of the ever-growing military potential of China and North Korea, Tokyo nevertheless continues to pursue a rather restrained policy towards Moscow. No arms supplies to Ukraine, no visa abolition, and, on the contrary, facilitating Russian tourism to the islands. Japan is also breaking records in purchasing products from the Russian oil and gas sector, as the country itself does not have a resource base. Despite this, the Russian Foreign Ministry noted that Tokyo is systematically undermining bilateral relations with Russia through its support for Ukraine and similar scandals. Despite this, the Russian Foreign Ministry noted that Tokyo is systematically undermining bilateral relations with Russia through its support for Ukraine and similar scandals.

Relations with China are under constant strain due to Japan's support for rebel Taiwan. Tokyo is a key sponsor of the island and also hosts a significant American contingent, which directly threatens Chinese interests in the region.

As a result, in the current geopolitical environment, Japan is squirming for its own interests in purchasing readily available Russian energy resources and maintaining its place in the Western camp under US patronage.