Russia has issued a sharp rebuke of Japan's approach to addressing its wartime history, calling for Tokyo to confront its legacy of militarist aggression. The criticism came during a press briefing on December 26, 2025, where Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova denounced potential plans by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to visit the Yasukuni Shrine.
The controversial site, which enshrines Class-A war criminals convicted by the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, remains a focal point of regional tensions. Zakharova emphasized that "historically documented facts" prove Japanese militarism caused widespread suffering, urging Japan to establish a memorial hall for victims and conduct regular tributes.
This diplomatic stance aligns with Russia's continued emphasis on preserving World War II historical consensus. The spokesperson stressed that Japan must "fully acknowledge WWII outcomes" rather than minimize wartime atrocities. The remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of East Asia's historical reconciliation efforts this year.
