The Russia–Ukraine war as a challenge to Japan’s security

Abstract

The article examines the gradual transformation of Japan’s perception of the Russia-Ukraine war, which led to the assessment of the conflict as a potentially significant danger for Japan’s security architecture in the international arena. It also highlights additional threats that may be exacerbated by this conflict.

The research is grounded in the principles of objectivity, historicism, and systematicity. It employs comparative, historical-chronological and system methods to provide an analysis of the dynamics of change of Japan’s perception of its security more completely in the context of Russia-Ukraine military conflict.

The article points out that from the outset, Russia’s invasion did not go unnoticed by Japan, which adopted a position supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, provided assistance, and imposed sanctions against the Russian Federation. In light of its strategic interests and potential security concerns, Tokyo continued dialogue with the Russian Federation, particularly with regard to conclusion of a peace treaty and the issue of the Northern Territories. The full-scale invasion in 2022 significantly reshaped Japan’s perception of its security and its international positioning. At the international level, Japan clearly emphasized the need to uphold the fundamental principles of international law and supporting Ukraine, provided Ukraine with much greater assistance than before, and suspended dialogue with Russian Federation on the Northern Territories. Simultaneously, Japan undertook a transformation of its own security policy, reflected in a significant increase in defense spending and the adoption of new security and defense strategies.

The article is intended for historians, political scientists and all those interested in Japan’s history and foreign policy.