Russia's Move to Declare September 3 as Day of Victory over Japan Provokes Tokyo
Japan Protests Russia's Declaration of September 3 as Day of Victory over Militaristic Japan
Tokyo, June 29 (IANS): Japan has protested against Russia's decision to declare September 3, the day after Japan's surrender in World War II, as a day of victory over "militaristic Japan".
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said on Monday that the move was "extremely regrettable" and could "stir anti-Japanese sentiment among the Russian people".
"We have lodged a protest with the Russian government," Matsuno said. "We urge them to reconsider this decision."
Russia's move comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries over the disputed Kuril Islands.
The islands were seized by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II, but Japan has never given up its claim to them.
The two countries have also been at odds over the war in Ukraine, with Japan imposing sanctions on Russia.
In a statement, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said that Russia's decision to declare September 3 as a day of victory over "militaristic Japan" was "unfounded".
"The decision is a distortion of history and is unacceptable to Japan," the statement said.
The ministry said that Japan would continue to work with the international community to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine.
Analysis
Russia's decision to declare September 3 as a day of victory over "militaristic Japan" is a clear provocation.
The move is likely to further sour relations between the two countries and could lead to an increase in tensions in the region.
It is also a reminder of the deep-seated historical animosities that exist between Japan and Russia.
The two countries have a long history of conflict, dating back to the 19th century.
The Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05 was one of the most important wars of the early 20th century.
The war ended with a Japanese victory, and it marked the rise of Japan as a major power in the region.
The Kuril Islands dispute is another major source of tension between Japan and Russia.
The islands were seized by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II, but Japan has never given up its claim to them.
The dispute has prevented the two countries from signing a peace treaty to formally end the war.
Russia's decision to declare September 3 as a day of victory over "militaristic Japan" is likely to further complicate the Kuril Islands dispute.
It is also a reminder of the deep-seated historical animosities that exist between Japan and Russia.
These animosities are likely to continue to be a source of tension in the region for many years to come.
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