"Japan Does Not Want to Overstimulate Russia Due to Southern Kuril Dispute"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Japan is reported to not want to excessively provoke Russia over the issue of the four Southern Kuril Islands (called the Northern Territories in Japan) in relation to the Ukraine crisis.

On the 24th, Asahi Shimbun described Japan's sanctions against Russia as "coordinating with its ally, the United States."

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced the previous day a ban on the issuance and circulation within Japan of new bonds issued or guaranteed by the Russian government or government agencies.

This measure is considered weaker, more limited in scope, and having a milder impact compared to those of Europe and the United States. A Japanese government official explained, "This time, we imposed a small sanction in preparation for the possibility of the situation worsening."

Analysis suggests that the Japanese government's true intention is to avoid excessively provoking Russia over the issue of the four Southern Kuril Islands.

Russia and Japan, who fought against each other during World War II, have yet to sign a peace treaty due to the territorial dispute over the four Southern Kuril Islands. Japan hopes to regain these islands, currently under Russia's effective control, upon signing the treaty.

While Prime Minister Kishida stated the previous day that additional sanctions would be imposed in coordination with the international community if the Ukraine crisis worsens, Japan is expected to make related decisions after closely observing the attitudes of the United States and Europe.

Within the Japanese government, there are cautious opinions about implementing strong sanctions. A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Japan is not taking the lead." An official from the Prime Minister's Office suggested the possibility of considering relations with Russia, stating, "I don't think Japan can be said to be completely aligned with the United States."