Change of Victory Day in Russia... Japan: "Abe Unable to Attend Commemoration Ceremony"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] As Russia is likely to postpone the 75th anniversary of the victory in World War II, originally scheduled for next month, to September due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the possibility of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's absence has increased.

On the 28th, Asahi Shimbun reported, citing Japanese government officials, that Russia conveyed to Japan that if this year's victory commemoration event is held on September 3, Prime Minister Abe would not be able to attend. This response from the Japanese government is interpreted as a measure considering the territorial dispute between Russia and Japan over the four Kuril Islands (called the Northern Territories in Japan).

The Russian government initially planned to hold the commemoration event on May 9 and invited heads of state from various countries, including Japan. Prime Minister Abe also intended to attend the event and hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to advance peace treaty negotiations concerning the four Kuril Islands. However, due to the spread of COVID-19, the event is likely to be postponed.

Additionally, on the 24th, President Putin signed a bill changing the end date of World War II from September 2 to September 3. September 3 was commemorated during the former Soviet era as the "Victory Day over Militarist Japan." After the collapse of the Soviet Union, there was a movement within Russia to revive September 3, but it was not realized due to concerns over deteriorating relations with Japan, and since 2010, September 2 has been observed as the commemoration day.

Asahi evaluated that Russia's recent change of the end-of-war commemoration from September 2 to September 3 effectively revives the victory day over Japan. It also reported that this is interpreted as Russia emphasizing its position as a victorious country by demanding Japan recognize that the four Kuril Islands became its territory as a result of the war victory.

A Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said regarding the victory commemoration event being held on September 3, "It could be interpreted as justifying the occupation of the Northern Territories, so it is unacceptable."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.