Russia has called out Japan for downplaying its militarist past, urging Tokyo to confront its wartime atrocities. The criticism came during a press briefing on December 26, 2025, as tensions rise over reports that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi might visit the controversial Yasukuni Shrine.
🔍 Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova labeled the shrine a “symbol of Japanese militarism,” noting it honors Class-A war criminals convicted after WWII. “These are historically documented facts,” she emphasized, referencing Japan’s brutal wartime actions.
💡 Zakharova proposed Japan build a memorial for victims and hold annual tributes as accountability. “Atonement requires action, not silence,” she stated, urging Tokyo to acknowledge WWII outcomes fully.
🌐 The dispute highlights ongoing regional sensitivities about historical memory. For young audiences tracking global diplomacy, this clash underscores how past conflicts still shape today’s politics.
