Khabarovsk, September 5 (Daily Kiran) : Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi have called on Russia to remove a controversial statue recently erected in Khabarovsk. The statue depicts a Soviet soldier destroying a stone marker adorned with a chrysanthemum, a flower that holds significant cultural importance in Japan.
Takaichi expressed that the installation of such a monument is “absolutely unacceptable.” The chrysanthemum symbol is closely tied to Japan’s identity, and its destruction in the statue is seen as a direct affront to Japanese sentiments. Motegi echoed these concerns, stating, “The bronze statue unveiled on September 4 in Khabarovsk, which shows the destruction of a Japanese symbol, is completely unacceptable. This monument cannot be considered creative, especially given that the chrysanthemum represents Japan. It hurts the feelings of the Japanese people. We have requested its removal from the Russian side. It is also regrettable that they have yet to respond, but Japan will continue to voice its opposition strongly.”
The statue is situated in Muravyov-Amursky Regional Park in Khabarovsk and stands 15 meters tall. It portrays a Soviet soldier breaking a stone marked with the chrysanthemum, a symbol associated with Japan’s imperial family and militarism.
Tensions between Japan and Russia have escalated in recent days. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the strain in relations is “entirely Japan’s fault.” This remark followed criticism of his visit to a disputed island chain claimed by both nations last month.
While addressing reporters during his visit to Kyrgyzstan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Putin mentioned that Moscow has handled its relationship with Japan “very carefully.” He expressed a willingness to engage in peace talks regarding the disputed islands, known as the “Northern Territories” in Japan and the “Southern Kurils” in Russia, even though he believes the matter has already been “resolved.”
Japan, on the other hand, argues that the Soviet Union illegally occupied the islands immediately after Japan’s surrender in World War II. Russia maintains that the occupation was legitimate. In response to Putin’s comments, the Japanese government stated that his remarks are “unacceptable.”
Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara made these statements during a regular press conference in Tokyo.
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