Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addressed the plenary session of the lower house, outlining Tokyo’s intention to pursue a peace agreement with Moscow while maintaining a firm stance on Japan’s sanctions against Russia. The remarks were reported by TASS, highlighting a delicate balancing act in Japan’s foreign policy as it weighs geopolitical realities with its regional commitments.
Kishida explained that the relationship between Japan and Russia remains complicated, yet Japan is resolute in continuing efforts to resolve the longstanding territorial issue and to secure a formal peace treaty. He stressed that the pursuit of a treaty would go hand in hand with pragmatism on the unresolved questions surrounding territorial governance, reflecting Tokyo’s strategy to normalize ties while safeguarding national interests.
Simultaneously, the prime minister underscored Tokyo’s ongoing support for sanctions against Russia and continued assistance to Ukraine. This dual approach signals Japan’s readiness to uphold international sanctions frameworks while aligning with broader Western and allied objectives in the region, even as it engages in dialogue with Moscow on core security issues.
Earlier, a report from RBC, citing the Japanese embassy, indicated that Japan appears to be advancing a course aimed at settling the territorial dispute and achieving a peace accord with Russia. This narrative points to a potential shift toward direct negotiations, coupled with institutional commitments to monitor and manage the sensitivities inherent in the dispute.
The Japanese diplomatic mission reiterated that negotiations with the Russian Federation are being pursued due to the unresolved territorial disagreements. The dialogues focus on reconciling historical and current claims with international legal norms, while seeking a framework that could eventually support a lasting peace between the two neighbors.
It was also noted that Russia terminated a Cooperation Agreement with Japan concerning the elimination of nuclear weapons, a development that has influenced the security calculus in the region. The decision adds another layer to the dynamic between Tokyo and Moscow, prompting Japan to reassess its strategic posture and its alliance commitments within the broader security architecture of the Asia-Pacific region.