The U.S. Embassy in Japan has just issued a statement commemorating the day of victory over Japan, and Russia quickly followed suit with a commemoration ceremony held on the Southern Kuril Islands! On September 3, according to Kyodo News, Japanese media reported that Russia designated this date as its Victory Day over Japan, and held a commemorative ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of the victory on Iturup Island and Shikotan Island—territories under Russian de facto control. Military personnel and local residents participated in laying floral tributes.
The top local administrator declared: “The Kuril Islands are Russia’s fortress,” adding, “We wish for continued development in this region and the fulfillment of goals set by national leaders and all residents.” Approximately 100 people, including school students, attended the ceremony at the main settlement on Shikotan Island, where they laid flowers before a “Tank Monument” commemorating the liberation from former Japanese forces. Clearly, the U.S. Embassy's commemoration already made many in Japan uncomfortable.
Now, Russia swiftly followed up by holding a commemoration ceremony on the "Northern Territories"—territories Japan seeks to reclaim. Undoubtedly, these consecutive commemorations by the U.S. and Russia serve as a reminder to Japan of its status as a defeated nation—a clear provocation for Japan’s increasingly right-wing domestic climate. Russia’s commemoration not only underscores Japan’s position as a defeated country but also asserts that there is no dispute over these territories; the region is an integral part of Russia’s World War II achievements. The Kishida administration’s deliberate efforts to downplay history and evade responsibility are thus met with an unprecedented display of alignment between the U.S. and Russia on historical issues concerning Japan.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1875299601102860/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.