Message from the Foreign Minister

On September 4, an unveiling ceremony was held in Khabarovsk, Russia, for a bronze statue of a monument commemorating the victory over Japan, depicting a Soviet soldier destroying a boundary stone with the chrysanthemum crests molded into it.
Such a statute is not constructive in relation to Japan. In particular, the chrysanthemum crests is widely recognized as an emblem symbolizing Japan. The installation of a monument depicting its destruction is unacceptable and extremely regrettable in terms of Japanese national sentiment. Through diplomatic channels, we have strongly requested the Russian side to cease the installation and remove it.
It is extremely regrettable that the Russian side has not responded to Japan's request as of the present moment, and we will continue to strongly urge the Russian side to remove it.