Japan demanded the dismantling of a monument to a Soviet soldier in Khabarovsk, erected two days ago
Tokyo was outraged by the monument to the Soviet soldier, who smashes a border sign with a chrysanthemum with the butt of a rifle. This flower is one of Japan's national symbols and the emblem of the imperial house.
Japan demanded that Russia dismantle the monument to the victory over Japan in World War II, which was unveiled in Khabarovsk.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the monument "completely unacceptable". Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated that it offends the national feelings of the Japanese and does not contribute to relations between the countries.
“Through diplomatic channels, we strongly demanded that the Russian side refrain from installing and dismantle the monument,” said Motegi.
Moscow has not yet responded.
The monument was unveiled on September 4 and dedicated to the defeat of Japan in 1945. It is a 15-meter bronze figure of a Soviet soldier who, with the butt of a rifle, smashes a sign with a chrysanthemum — the emblem of the Japanese imperial house.
The dispute over the monument arose against the backdrop of a new escalation in relations between Moscow and Tokyo. In August, Vladimir Putin, for the first time during his rule, visited one of the Kuril Islands, which Japan claims. Tokyo considers the four southern islands of the chain to be its territory. Due to this dispute, Russia and Japan have still not concluded a peace treaty after World War II.
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