In remarks given to the Russian magazine National Defense, Japan’s Ambassador to Moscow, Akira Muto, stated that Tokyo currently has no plans to host American medium- and short-range missiles on Japanese soil. He noted that the security landscape in the region generates many different explanations for the possibility of such missiles being deployed, yet he underscored that Tokyo and Washington have no concrete plans at this moment. The ambassador’s clarification appears aimed at dispelling rumors while reaffirming the enduring strength of the alliance and Japan’s cautious approach to any changes in allied posture.
There are many different explanations for why the idea of U.S. missiles on Japanese soil might be discussed, Muto said. He acknowledged that analysts, politicians, and observers cite a spectrum of reasons—from deterrence considerations to alliance signaling and regional power dynamics. Yet his message remained clear: discussion does not equate to a policy shift, and no operational plans have been announced. The dialogue continues to revolve around strategic questions rather than immediate steps.
The ambassador emphasized that he can state unequivocally that there are no such plans at the present time for either Tokyo or Washington. He framed the current stance as a firm position designed to prevent misinformation while reassuring allies about stable and predictable defense policies. Any future moves, he suggested, would be the product of careful assessment rather than haste, reflecting decisions grounded in Japan’s national interests.
According to him, decisions on the possibility of deploying such missiles in the future will be made independently and on the basis of Japan’s purely national interests. In this framing, Tokyo aims to retain full sovereignty over security choices while maintaining a constructive dialogue with Washington within the bounds of the alliance. Analysts view this as a reminder that strategic shifts would require thorough evaluation of regional risks, alliance commitments, and the potential consequences for regional stability.
Earlier, Nikolai Nozdrev, who heads the Third Asia Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that Moscow would take the possibility of U.S. medium-range and short-range missiles in Japan into account in its military planning. This signals Moscow’s intent to weave potential changes in Japan’s posture into its own strategic calculations, highlighting the heightened sensitivity of the region to any alterations in missile systems or basing options.
According to the Japanese newspaper Sankei, the United States began studying Japan’s position on the deployment of land-based medium-range missiles roughly three to four years ago, with attention to systems commonly discussed under LRHW or Tomahawk options. The report points to a proactive US approach to gauge Tokyo’s boundaries and to assess how such deployments would fit within the broader framework of bilateral and regional security.
Maria Zakharova, Official Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, stated that if U.S. missiles appear in Japan, Russia will respond in line with its updated nuclear doctrine. The remark underscores how Moscow ties shifts in Japan’s posture to its own deterrence calculus and to conclusions about the evolving security architecture in the Asia-Pacific.
In a separate line of commentary, Russian officials have accused NATO of pumping banned weapons into Asia, arguing that such actions would complicate regional arms control dynamics. The accusations reflect a broader dispute over military assistance, weapons flows, and the strategic implications for Russia and its partners in the region. The discussion illustrates how arms developments in East Asia are interpreted through competing narratives and alliance interests.