Putin Says Japan Responsible for Worsening Ties With Russia

Sep 02, 2026 | News On Japan

Kyrgyzstan - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on September 2 that Japan bears full responsibility for the deterioration in relations between the two countries, defending Moscow's approach following criticism from Tokyo over his first visit to Etorofu Island in August.

Speaking to reporters in Kyrgyzstan during a visit to the Central Asian country, Putin said the worsening of Japan-Russia relations was "entirely Japan's responsibility."

Referring to Japan's reaction to his August visit to Etorofu, Putin said he was "not surprised" by the criticism.

Putin maintained that Russia had done nothing to worsen relations with Japan and said Moscow had handled its dealings with Tokyo "very cautiously."

Separately, Putin met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on September 1 and indicated that Russia intends to continue providing support to Iran.

Source: テレ東BIZ

Okinawa Braces for Typhoon No. 24

Typhoon No. 24 remained nearly stationary south of Japan on September 2 but is forecast to move north toward Okinawa, bringing the risk of sudden heavy rain and stronger winds from the afternoon while waves are expected to rise steadily as the storm lingers nearby. As of 6 a.m. on September 2, the typhoon was located south of Japan and was expected to approach Okinawa while passing to the east of the main island.

Japan to Conduct First Nationwide Survey of Animal Cafes

Japan's Environment Ministry will conduct its first survey of animal cafes, where customers can interact with animals including exotic species, as concerns grow over infection risks, injuries and the welfare burden placed on animals.

Haneda Tightens Baggage Deadline

Haneda Airport introduced two major changes on September 2, opening a new boarding facility at Terminal 1 while moving the checked-baggage deadline for all domestic flights to 30 minutes before departure.

USJ Eyes First-Ever Park Expansion

Universal Studios Japan is considering its first expansion since opening in 2001, with plans to use about 60,000 square meters of former Nippon Steel factory land adjacent to the park and potentially increase its total area by roughly 10%.

Japan Cuts Speed Limit on Residential Roads to 30 km/h

Japan will lower the statutory speed limit on certain residential roads from 60 kilometers per hour to 30 km/h from September 1, with police in Hyogo Prefecture urging drivers to familiarize themselves with the new rules and drive more carefully in neighborhood areas.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

Putin Says Japan Responsible for Worsening Ties With Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on September 2 that Japan bears full responsibility for the deterioration in relations between the two countries, defending Moscow's approach following criticism from Tokyo over his first visit to Etorofu Island in August.

Three Opposition Parties Abandon Merger Plans

The leaders of the Centrist Reform Alliance, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito have agreed to abandon plans to merge their three parties, leaving the Centrist Reform Alliance effectively split.

Can Domestic Drone Production Transform Japan's Defense?

Japan is moving to strengthen its defenses against mass drone attacks after Terra Drone became the sole company to advance through a Defense Ministry program for a Japanese-made interceptor drone, drawing on battlefield technology and production methods developed in Ukraine while pushing for domestic production of critical components.

Takaichi Bond Cap Tests Fiscal Credibility As BOJ Pressure Builds

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi moved on August 28 to contain market concern over her government’s spending plans, saying Japan will aim to cap new government bond issuance at around 40 trillion yen in the fiscal 2027 budget while still pursuing food-tax relief, growth investment and measures to support households facing higher prices.

Japan Unveils New Energy Security Policy

Japan has drawn up a new policy package aimed at strengthening energy security in response to developments in the Middle East, including support for alternative oil pipelines that would bypass the Strait of Hormuz and greater use of nuclear power to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Fukuoka 'Don' Resigns as Questions Remain Over Money

Former Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly speaker Isao Kuranouchi, long regarded as the dominant power in the chamber, resigned as an assembly member on August 25, intensifying scrutiny of allegations involving financial transactions, costly overseas inspection trips and policies backed by public funds while raising broader questions about how he accumulated such influence.

My Number App Launches With Integrated ID Verification

Japan's Digital Agency launched a new smartphone app on August 25 that combines identity verification and administrative procedures, allowing users to access both government and participating private-sector services through a single application.

Takaichi Says Gasoline Prices Will Remain Around 170 Yen Per Liter

Prime Minister Takaichi said the government will continue using subsidies to keep the nationwide average gasoline price at around 170 yen per liter, drawing on reserve funds set aside to respond to developments in the Middle East.

< 2 3 4 5 >