Sanae Takaichi calls on Russia to remove a statue that insults Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called on Russia on Saturday to remove a statue unveiled on Friday that celebrates the Soviet victory over Japan in World War II. The monument, described as “totally unacceptable” by the Japanese prime minister, depicts a Soviet soldier destroying a stone block engraved with the chrysanthemum symbol, the emblem of Japan’s Imperial House.

In a message posted on the X platform, Takaichi said the monument insults the feelings of the Japanese people. The government in Tokyo officially asked Moscow to remove the statue, considering the use of the national symbol in a scene of destruction unacceptable.

The dispute comes amid deteriorating bilateral relations. Three days earlier, Japan rejected statements by President Vladimir Putin, who blamed Tokyo for the difficult situation between the two countries. Japanese government spokesperson Minoru Kihara argued that the tensions are a consequence of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

Relations were further strained at the beginning of August after Putin visited the Kuril Islands claimed by Japan, which Tokyo calls the Northern Territories. Following reciprocal protests, Moscow and Tokyo recalled their ambassadors.

Research note: The source text states that the statue was unveiled on Friday, but does not specify a date for the Saturday appeal or the year of the events; these details should be verified before publication if required by the news context, as should the claim that both capitals recalled their ambassadors, which may require additional sourcing depending on the intended publication date and wording of the report.",