In Russia, the official hysteria about the revival of Japanese militarism is gradually gaining momentum.
There are three reasons.
Firstly, Russians criticize the Japanese for their intention to study and implement advanced drone practices. Especially for the interest of private Japanese companies in private Ukrainian drone manufacturers.
Secondly, Russians are jittery about Tokyo’s decision to allow the export of military equipment. The Japanese are definitely not going to sell military equipment to Russia (although some Japanese components are quietly bought by Russians).
But the main issue is the attacks on Japan for its intention to start a discussion (!) regarding approaches to handling nuclear weapons.
Currently, Japan adheres to the principle of “three no’s”: not to produce, not to possess, not to deploy. I have already written that the first two “no’s” remain unshakable, but the third “no” is proposed to be “discussed without taboo”. In particular, this is stated by Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi.
The context is crystal clear: this is a prelude to the question – should the deployment of US nuclear weapons on Japanese territory be allowed? Initially, in the form of temporary visits by ships/submarines and aircraft landings.
The painful background is obvious. And the Russians have not accidentally become active precisely during the anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
But the practical side is even clearer: North Korea, China, and Russia possess nuclear weapons, and in the context of tensions around Taiwan, it is illogical to limit Washington’s deterrent potential.
Russian Ambassador to Tokyo Nikolai Nozdrev started spouting nonsense, claiming that by even temporarily allowing Americans, Japan would allegedly violate the requirements of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, for which it would face consequences in the form of “countermeasures” by other countries.
Interesting, what kind?
The position of Minister Koizumi was ridiculed by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
The Russian jumping has several layers at its core.
First, the Japanese can produce nuclear weapons with one click if they wish. The technological basis for this exists. This would immediately adjust the balance of power in the region.
Second, the Japanese have made a submarine that is a generation ahead of what the Russians are churning out. Russian submarines would be good for sale to Algeria or India, but not for their own defense.
Third, the Russians buried three regiments of the 155th Marine Brigade from Primorsky Krai in Ukraine. The 40th Marine Brigade from Kamchatka is also suffering losses. Many have died on Sakhalin and even the Kuriles. However, Putin decided to deploy the 55th Marine Division based on the 155th Marine Brigade. This, by all standards, is an act of militarization to which opponents (i.e., Japan) are obliged to respond.
Considering the development of marine drones (underwater and surface), excluding nuclear submarines, the might of the Russian Pacific Fleet no longer seems so impressive. But the Russians are also developing and objectively forming new threats…
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is the son of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who regularly demanded that Russia return the Southern Kuriles.
Among other things, father Koizumi was actively criticized (especially in China and South Korea) for demonstratively visiting the Yasukuni Shinto Shrine, which honors the spirits of warriors who died for Japan and the emperor (including those recognized and executed as war criminals).
After father Koizumi’s resignation, his visits to the shrine as an active minister were supported by… Sanae Takaichi, the current prime minister. At one time, she headed the ministry for “northern territories” (Southern Kuriles) and held other ministerial posts. In April 2026, Takaichi did not go to the shrine for the spring festival to avoid escalation but sent a ritual offering. On this occasion, South Korea officially expressed regret…
Such is sumo.
Given the formation of a defense alliance between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, as well as Germany’s course toward remilitarization (up to nuclear weapons), the planet is becoming somewhat uneasy. All because one lover of the Pechenegs was not stopped in time.
