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Diplomatic spat

Japan Expels Russian Consul in Tit-for-Tat Move

Japan has ordered a senior Russian official stationed in the country to leave in retaliation for the expulsion of a Japanese diplomat over alleged spying...

persona non grata

Japan Slams ‘Unbelievable’ Treatment of Diplomat Detained in Russia

Japan on Tuesday demanded Russia apologize for detaining a diplomat over alleged espionage, denying the charge and accusing Moscow of blindfolding...

Japan Boosts Natural Gas Imports From Russia

Japan imported 450,000 metric tons of LNG from Russia last month — a 211.2% increase from August 2021.

Russia Slams ‘Monstrous, Barbaric’ Assassination of Ex-Japan PM Abe

The longtime Japanese leader has reportedly died after being shot at a campaign event.

Energy security

Putin Replaces Sakhalin-2 Energy Project Operator With New Domestic Entity

Japan has warned against its interests in the project being "undermined."

Japan Says Disputed Islands ‘Illegally Occupied’ by Russia

The Kuril Islands, held by Moscow and claimed by Tokyo, have prevented the two nations from formally signing a post-World War II treaty.

Shifting the issue

Japan Protests Russia Move to Drop Peace Talks Over Ukraine

Analysts say the lack of progress helped free Tokyo to take tougher action against Russia than in the past, when chances for a resolution appeared stronger...

pacific missiles

Russia Deploys 3rd Coastal Defense System on Island Chain Claimed by Japan

Moscow and Tokyo's dispute over the Kuril Islands has prevented them from signing a formal peace treaty since the end of World War II.

change of address

Russian Man Swims to Japan to Apply for Asylum – Reports

The man received free land on one of the Kuril Islands as part of Russia’s program to rejuvenate its Far East regions.

economic benefits

Russia Eyes Free-Trade Zone on Islands Disputed by Japan

Japan issued a protest over Prime Minister Mishustin's visit to the Kuril Islands.

geopolitical players

Putin’s Syria Stance Left ‘Strong Impression,’ Former Japanese PM Abe Says

“Putin was never on his back foot against the seven other [G8] nations. Indeed, he appeared almost dominant,” Abe said.

NORTHERN SEA ROUTE

Japan Seeks Arctic Shipping, Agricultural Partnerships in Russia’s Far East

The “new concept of cooperation” comes amid Tokyo’s years-long efforts to return a disputed Pacific island chain.

Russia Blames ‘Revisionist’ U.S. for Disputed Islanders’ Visas

Russians born on the Kuril Islands are required to name Japan as their birthplace to receive permanent residency in the U.S.

Japan Protests Russia’s Missile System Deployment on Disputed Islands

The dispute over the islands has kept Russia and Japan from signing a formal peace treaty to end the war.

Russia’s Constitutional Reforms Prevent Disputed Islands’ Transfer to Japan – Ex-PM Medvedev

Russia and Japan are attempting to strike a formal peace treaty, which Tokyo insists on for the return of the Russian-held Kuril Islands.

resigned prime minister

Kremlin Hails Abe's 'Invaluable Contribution' To Relations

Russia's relationship with Japan has been overshadowed by a territorial dispute over a chain of islands in the Pacific.

Russia Detains Japanese Journalist in Espionage Row With Tokyo

Japanese media reported that a former employee leaked the information to two Russian officials suspected of espionage.

Russia Seizes Japanese Fishing Boat Near Disputed Islands

Russian authorities seized a Japanese fishing boat Wednesday, taking it to a disputed Russian island claimed by Japan.

territorial disagreements

Russia Releases Japanese Fishing Boats Detained Near Disputed Islands

The boats were fishing for octopus near the disputed islands when they were detained by Russian ships.

opinion James Brown

Japanese Investment in Russia Floundering Despite Arctic Energy Deal

Without improvements to Russia’s business climate, cases of Japanese investment into Russia will continue to be the exception, not the norm.

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