Japan stresses importance of keeping ties with Russia, says top diplomat
Japan's senior foreign affairs official Toshimitsu Motegi told reporters on May 12 that maintaining a working relationship with Russia remains a strategic priority for Tokyo. Motegi, speaking in Tokyo, highlighted Russia’s status as a neighboring power and warned that sudden diplomatic breakdowns could destabilise regional security.
The comment comes amid heightened tensions over Russia's war in Ukraine, Western sanctions, and Japan's own security alliance with the United States. While Japan has joined EU and US measures against Moscow, it also faces practical concerns such as Arctic navigation routes, energy imports, and the status of the Kuril Islands dispute.
Motegi emphasized that "Russia is Japan’s neighbour and dialogue is essential for peace in Northeast Asia," a phrasing echoed by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release. Reuters reported that the Japanese government is quietly reviewing its sanctions policy, whereas the local TASS English feed quoted Motegi without mentioning any policy shift. No immediate policy changes were announced.
Security analysts say Motegi’s remarks may be an attempt to balance Japan’s alliance commitments with a pragmatic need to keep communication channels open for crisis management. Experts at the Tokyo Institute of International Relations noted that Japan could leverage its diplomatic overtures to push Moscow toward a cease‑fire in Ukraine, while also protecting its own maritime interests.
Watchers will monitor upcoming foreign‑ministerial meetings in Seoul and the next round of G7 talks for any concrete steps. Japan’s next policy brief, slated for late June, may clarify whether the diplomatic emphasis translates into modified sanctions or new confidence‑building measures with Moscow.