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Russia vows to hit back at Japan for denying visas to 23 people

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Moscow on Tuesday vowed to hit back at Japan over its decision to deny visas to 23 Russian nationals as part of additional sanctions linked to the crisis in Ukraine.

The Russian foreign ministry said that Tokyo's decision was "met with disappointment in Moscow, and of course will not be left without a response".

The Japanese foreign ministry said Tuesday that the Russian nationals on its list -- whom it did not identify but who were reported by Tokyo media to include some government officials -- were suspected of "infringing the unity of Ukraine's sovereignty and territory".

"Japan calls on all parties to act carefully with self-restraint and responsibility," Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said in a statement. "We sincerely hope that the Ukraine situation will be normalised through diplomatic dialogue."

Tokyo's announcement came after the United States and Europe expanded their own lists of punitive measures against Russian officials and Kremlin-linked firms.

The Russian foreign ministry described Tokyo's decision as "a clumsy step taken under the influence of foreign pressure".

"Attempts by Japan to put pressure on Russia will in no way help de-escalate tensions around Ukraine," the Russian statement said.

Relations between Moscow and Tokyo have been strained for decades because of the status of four Pacific islands that are known as the Southern Kurils in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan.

The dispute has hurt the two sides' trade relations and prevented the signature of a peace treaty formally ending hostilities dating back to World War II.

© (c) 2014 AFP

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65 Comments
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Russia is just a big bully... and people are just sick and tired of there intimidation tactics. Ukraine belong to people of Ukraine and not to Russian residents in Ukraine.

25 ( +39 / -14 )

Now that's how you do it! Kudos to Japan. Seriously hope Obama is watching this, he could seriously learn something on the first steps on dealing with an out of control Russia.

Well seeing how Obama lead with sanctions and in added more today, I would have to assume you haven't been paying much attention to what's been going on...

10 ( +10 / -0 )

The Russian foreign ministry described Tokyo’s decision as “a clumsy step taken under the influence of foreign pressure”.

exactly.

5 ( +20 / -15 )

The Russian foreign ministry said that Tokyo’s decision was “met with disappointment in Moscow, and of course will not be left without a response”.

Japan should not be "panic" about Russia’s unreasonable strong response. In part, Russia was never a real fan/friend of Japan anyway. In fact, in retrospect, Putin deliberately played Abe for more than two years, creating an allusion that he and Abe were some sort of first name based friends and there was a possibility of retuning part of Kurils islands to Japan.

The reality is that if Russia has to choose Japan and China for the upcoming new cold-war II, the choice is a no-brainer given Russia and China were allies before, and they have similar guiding ideology when it comes to the west and the US.

For Japan, the fence-sitting opportunity was gone at the moment that Japan Joined the US and West to isolate Russia after Russian’s Crimea’s annexation. It’s highly likely that Japan has to embrace a more hostile Russia in near future. (It's life, deal with it.)

5 ( +11 / -6 )

At this rate I'm going to go and live with the penguins in Antarctica.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Japan has more to lose if it didn't deny those visas in accordance to the sanctions. However Japan, The US, the E.U and any other nation will have to trend very carefully. Russia too can easily place sanctions in retaliation. Russia could decide to stop all LNG and Oil imports to Japan.

Some say that the Ukrainian protests in Kiev that ousted their diplomatically elected President was staged or influenced by the West. Russia now stands ready to protect Ukrainians with Russian or with Russian ancestry in Eastern Ukraine if the Ukrainian army decide to stop the protesters by force. I dont agree with what the pro Russia protesters are doing but putting more sanctions on Russia wont solve the issue but only aggravate the situation more.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Japan never lost war against Russia in history

Incorrect. In 1939 Soviets defeated Japanese forces at Nomon-Han (Manchuria). In 1945 Soviets defeated main forces of Japanese Army in Manchuria and cleaned Kuriles of Japanese garrison.

In case russia seizes Kuril Islands near Hokkaido, Japan has good excuse to use SDF to crush on coming russian out-of-dated troops.

Aren't you aware that Russians has been holding 'Kuril Islands near Hokkaido' since 1945, are you ? Besides, what magic power makes SDF that 'up-to-date' by comparison to Russian 'outdated' troops ? Could you elaborate ?

The more Russia complains

I think you have just confused complaints to warnings.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Poor Russia...why is everyone picking on them?

Its not like they invaded a neighboring country and is now destabilizing it from the inside all the while mobilizing an army on the border of Eastern Ukraine poised to invade...oh, wait...they're doing just that.

In all seriousness, what is the response going to be? Do you mean you're going to build military structures on the Northern Territories? No...you already said you were doing that last week. Does that mean you're going to send military planes down the length and breadth of Japan? Nope, did that, too.

Love how Russia escalates tensions with Japan, issues statements about militarizing the Northern Territories and expects Japan not to respond.

2 ( +15 / -13 )

I'm amazed that anyone believes, denying visas or limiting communication, will somehow help the plight of Ukraine. Can someone please explain how this reaction will change things for the better? If anything, it seems this will only lead to more negative posturing, though I'm open to hear others opinions.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

YuriOtani Apr. 30, 2014 - 12:04PM JST

Putin is very clever when Japan is suffering and Honest Abe is kissing Obama censored,

Well said Yuri! Abe is dreaming about getting some of Islands back from Russia. However he kissed Obama boots instead of Putin. He will not see NT will become part Japan in his lifetime.

Japan economy is in the life support. Japan needs Russia more than other way around. LNG and Wheat are imported from Russia. Not from US. If Russia increase the price of wheat and gas, Japanese residents will shiver in the cold winter. US wants Japan to play the hunger and freezing game for pointless sanction of Russians .

2 ( +7 / -5 )

Also, Japan gets oil from Iran. It could open the spiggot for more. US objections notwithstanding.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Sorry but there's nearly nothing any other country can do to Russia at this point that will make me feel bad for them. I just feel bad for the people living in such a messed up government lead by a self righteous nut.

1 ( +14 / -13 )

How will Russia, a country with the standard of living well below European (despite all the oil revenues), support a new financial black hole, remains a mystery. Thus, it is not surprising that many in Russia say the country needs to focus on its own problems and investment, instead of playing costly invasion games. Russia has meager $2.8 trillion dollar economy. Excluding Japan, the combined EU and U.S. economy is over $30 trillion. There is no comparison. Russia is in a no win situation.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

It's not like those 23 will use those visas to go to Japan anyways, so why complain?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Now that's how you do it! Kudos to Japan. Seriously hope Obama is watching this, he could seriously learn something on the first steps on dealing with an out of control Russia.

The US imposed economic sanctions. Japan just denied 23 visas....Doesn't seem that great in comparison

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Worst case, Japan can always go back to nuclear.

Really, they can (as in it being politically possible given the irrationalities of the Japanese population)?

However, a unified world effort to lock up Russia's international finances and hamper its ability to participate in the world markets will have a discernable effect. No, not instantly, but they will hurt Russia immeasurably now and for decades to come.

Fortunately, the West isn't determined enough to do such a thing. Even now, they are targeting individuals for their sanctions.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Generally, it is a good thing to deny entry to government officials and party members, because most governments are corrupt. Singling out Russians is a bit unbalanced though.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I won't go so far as to call it a farce. In fact, the whole situation is the West's fault, for agreeing to recognize the illegal temporary Ukrainian government so easily.

Russia is reading the West correctly that they are not up to big moves. If I am the West, I'll be inclined to graciously acknowledge this as a Russian win.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

The SDF has equipment to the American standard. The Russians are one or more generations behind. Maybe 1/2 of the Russian Navy can not leave port

Thanks for clarification. Well, so-called 'up-to-date American standards'. Some internet sources provide information that Americans also used to train armed forces of small state Georgia, of course, by American standards. According to training process,they supplied georgians by American weaponry and munition, teaching them by modern tactical operations. In 2008 georgians attacked their neighbours, ossetians right on doorstep of Russia. In response, Russians fought back and defeated georgians. Finally, certain American weaponry, munition an vehicles had been seized by Russians. So much for 'American standards'...

I do not believe the sanction will work and they never have worked in the past. All it will do is cause needless conflict with the Russian Federation.

True, they never worked in the past. But sanctions, imposed by Americans and under American initiative have already caused a huge wave of rude anti-americanism not only in Russia but in many Slavic countries of Europe. I think, the military conflict between Russia and Japan is not possible in near future.Tensions between political leaders, yes.

I understand the reasoning behind the sanctions.

It is easy to understand. Even Victoria Nuland, a spokeperson of US Department of State confirmed in TV interview that the USA had spent USD 5 billion on Ukraine to convert a country to US puppet. American efforts had failed and some American politicians became very angry. In short, Americans have been doing hostile policy towards to Russia since the end of Cold War.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Japan needs to uphold article #9 in the strict terms. If the USA and European nations feel they should get involved it is their business. Unlike the USA, Japan did not sign that agreement to respect Ukraine sovereignty. Worse yet the Ukraine people for the most part have refused to fight.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Worse yet the Ukranian people for the most part refused to fight.

It's understandable. Ukranians have many relatives in Russia and vice versa. It's not easy to point a gun to your brother, sister or children just because someone from the USA or EU hysterically urges to do it. Current clashes in Ukraine belong to domestic affairs of Russia and the Ukraine. Americans are wasting their time by imposing pointless sanctions and trying to muddy the waters.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Here's a very good Forbes article about the impact of Western sanctions on Russian individuals. It paints a far more compelling picture than I could, and is actually true, despite much of speculation that accompanies much of the nay-saying on this thread.

Give it a read. You may be pleasantly surprised (or not, depending on which side of the debate over Ukrainian sovereignty you fall).

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gregsatell/2014/04/28/heres-how-obamas-sanctions-will-destroy-vladimir-putin/

1 ( +1 / -0 )

bass4funk: Now that's how you do it! Kudos to Japan. Seriously hope Obama is watching this, he could seriously learn something on the first steps on dealing with an out of control Russia.....Believe me buddy, I'm very well read....

If you're so well-read how is it that you think the US can learn from Japan on this one? The US imposed visa restrictions on Russians well over a month ago, March 6th or 7th, if I'm not mistaken.

The White House announced Thursday that the U.S. government is imposing visa restrictions on Russians and others who it says are "threatening the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," as Congress moves on a separate track to impose more sanctions.

The visa restrictions were placed by the State Department. President Obama also signed an executive order authorizing sanctions against "individuals and entities responsible for activities undermining democratic processes or institutions in Ukraine."

0 ( +3 / -3 )

KevinPhilipsBong APR. 30, 2014 - 10:37AM JST

You're not welcome here or anywhere else in the modern world - get it!?

Foreign expatiates opinions are not representing the entire nation of Japan. Many Japanese are willing to kiss Mr Putin boot if he will return two larger Islands of Kurill or Northern Territory. If he will, he will become a darling of Japan.

If Russians will come to Japan after making Japanese people happy, they will be warmly served with free Sake, Sushi, Tempura, Ramen and of course Russian Vodka.

Ukraine mess was created by NATO expending the political influence with dirty tactics.Ordinary Russian people are not responsible except militants inside Ukraine. However they were born and raised there. The same thing is not all Japanese are born and live in Japan.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

they didn't ask the Ukraine, if it's ok to go to the Crimea and to annex it.

The Crimea was an Autonomous Republic in Ukraine already therefore crimeans had a right to decide for themselves without asking approval of Kiev. Once they had declared independence and will to join Russian Federation, Russians accepted it.

how many times did it turn off the gas to its western neighbors, how many people froze?

LOL ! Russians never fully turned off gas to europeans, so nobody was frozen by lack of LNG.

So what was Russia doing for ears in Afganistan, nation building ?

You may google for Salang tunnel, for instance. Still locals use it as well as Americans. Did Americans create there anything comparable to Salang pass? Yes, it was a real help from Soviets to nation building.

Were all the countries that had to live under the Soviet Union happy ?

In many ex-socialictic countries in Central and East Europe the Soviet Union built nucler power plants. Please, check it for Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary. Soviets also created LNG pipes to Eastern, Central and Western Europe. Yes, people were happy having cheap electricity and warm houses and flats. What Americans brought to them after dissolution of the USSR ? Blue Jeans, Coca-Cola, Mickey-Mouse? Tell me, please, could Coca-cola or Mickey-Mouse bring a heat to your home during a harsh winter? Could your feel a warm comfort, having democratic Blue Jeans instead of LNG pipe or Nuclear Power Plant, built by Evil Soviets not far from your town? Maybe, American troops or US-made Ballistic Defence Systems could make Europeans really happy people, right? In general, you have no idea what you're trying to talk about. Period.

0 ( +7 / -7 )

LFRAgain: "Hit back how exactly? By, say, landing thinly disguised Russian Special Forces on Hokkaido and having them rile the locals to cast off the chains of their cruel Japanese masters? Yeah, keep barking, Russia."

While I agree with you on how stupid Russia is doing, there are a number of very poignant ways Russia can hit back. All those gas contracts in the works? gone! The island issue? gone! and then some. The sanctions are probably indeed hurting Russia, but Japan is far too dependent on Russia for this to do any good. Japan is one of the only nations they CAN hit back at, which is one of the reasons Japan was so hesitant to put on sanctions to begin with.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Russia could decide to stop all LNG and Oil imports to Japan.

To what effect? Japan gets most of its LNG from Australia, Qatar, and Malaysia. Russia barely enters into the equation. Japan's oil situation is about that same with the majority of Japan's crude coming quite decidedly not from Russia. Back in the 70s, Japan quite wisely decided to diversify its energy import portfolio to make it less susceptible to geo-political whims. And right now, Japan has aptly demonstrated its ability to not only survive but thrive on coal as a primary energy source. Worst case, Japan can always go back to nuclear. So, no. Russian leveraging energy resources against Japan would not likely produce any significant effect.

Cancel current oil and gas development projects between Russia and Japan? Japan's energy trade relationship with Russia is in its infancy, with Japan only recently looking towards Moscow to further diversify its energy portfolio. With the exception of initial material investments, how can having nothing taken away from nothing really hurt? Japan will just look elsewhere.

That's the about unified, organized sanctions: Russia sanctioning the world is a far cry from the world sanctioning Russia. We can rely on each other. Who will Russia rely on? Libya? Syria? Cuba? China? Believe me when I say China wants no part of this, particularly with a looming economic disaster on its doorstep. Despite all of Putin's bluster, Russia cannon stand on its own in a world of sanctions. Maybe in the interim it can, but most certainly not for any appreciable time on par with say, Cuba or Iran. Russian pride can and has carried Putin a long way, but in a country where the average citizen knows perfectly well political and economic corruption come part and parcel with Putin's rule, how long can nationalism really carry the man once economic growth grinds to a standstill and people get fed up?

So, what else has Russia got? The Kuriles? That's a debate that is about as far from ever being successfully negotiated in our lifetimes as the Senakus or Dokdo. Those islands were never on any table as a realistic acquisition for Japan, no matter how many trade agreements Japan negotiates with Russia, and everyone knows it.

However, a unified world effort to lock up Russia's international finances and hamper its ability to participate in the world markets will have a discernable effect. No, not instantly, but they will hurt Russia immeasurably now and for decades to come.

No, sanctions aren't bombastic and glorious, or the stuff of impassioned sound bites on the deck of aircraft carriers. And they don't result in the kind of dramatic front-page news photos we've grown accustomed to with lopsided invasions of Iraq or Afghanistan. But that's the point. Sanctions are a sound and rational alternative to the old dynamic of "bomb the crap out of the other side until their growing pile of dead and dying compels them to give in."

0 ( +3 / -3 )

It is pure idiocy to agitate your immediate neighbours repeatedly and in turn feel so insecure that alignment with a ' protector ' across the seas become urgently necessary. However, now that Shinzo Abe has done his damned-ness to create even more trouble for his ailing country it is too late to reverse. The feelings of fear and insecurity will continue whatever Japan does to try to overcome them. There is always a right time to teach a wayward child a lesson. Only the ones waving the rods decide the timing.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Russia sounds like a broken record.

You're not welcome here or anywhere else in the modern world - get it!?

Unfortunately they seem very welcome in Phuket : (

0 ( +1 / -1 )

This move is not in Japanese interest and it will not significantly damage Russian business but it will have great impact on getting back the Northern Territories.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

As for China, Japan and South Korea fights, the Ukraine case is a Russian internal politic matter to show the government is in control and defend the national interests. The problem is that is creates unavoidable international diplomatic issues and hopefully not more that that.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Lastly article #9 makes clear the use of force is prohibited in foreign policy. I see sanctions as the use of force.

Yuri,

I don't think even the most fanciful interpretation by the most skilled lawyer could convince most reasonable minds that economic sanctions amount to a use of "force" as defined by Article 9 of the Japanese constitution.

To wit:

1.日本国民は、正義と秩序を基調とする国際平和を誠実に希求し、国権の発動たる戦争と、武力による威嚇又は武力の行使は、国際紛争を解決する手段としては、永久にこれを放棄する。 2.前項の目的を達するため、陸海空軍その他の戦力は、これを保持しない。国の交戦権は、これを認めない。

The official English translation of the article:

ARTICLE 9. Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes. (2) To accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The only reason Japan did this was under orders from Big Brother for it was not done until after Big Brother's visit.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Really. More sanctions? I lnow its bad to steal land from another country. But Crimea was a strange case. It was part of russia. With a russian majority. Sometimes people have to accept that. Crimeans were mostly happy with their russian federation welcome.

Now... donesnk and some other east ukranian provinces have many russians there and if Kiev attacks them... well. Itll be the self elected president responsability.

-1 ( +8 / -9 )

Russia, in this move on the Ukraine, reminds me of Argentina and the Falklands in ' 82 where Argentina's presidente hoped to raise his poor profile and economic record by invading a UK protectorate. That backfired badly for Argentina when major foreign force was invoked. What is different this time is that Putin wants to keep this war 'secret' and low-key by sending in masked gunmen (called 'local militia').And this reminds me of Indonesia and their 1998 destabilizing of East Timor. That failed too as East Timor became an independent country. Putin should stop playing the imperial Tsar, cut his losses and withdraw. I see now that Russia has now created a commemorative coin celebrating the 'Return of the Ukraine' when it was actually Brezhnev who gave Crimea to the Ukraine in 1956! ie it was not stolen by a rampaging foreign power, (like Russia).

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

I'm amazed that Russia's "taking back" of Crimea brings an old term back to modern days. Indian giver means you give something to someone as a gift and then ask for it back later. Would have been better if there had been a nice little written contract (like with the UK and China for Hong Kong) that stated, "we'll loan this to you for a while and it will be expected for you to give it back later."

Russia can easily just cancel any Japanese visa requests, so I don't see much of a big deal here.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Russia in this move on the Ukraine, reminds me of Argentina and the Falklands in '82

This is incorrect comparison. Russia is much stronger now than Argentina was in 1982. Besides, by comparison to population of Falklands, people of Southern and Eastern regions of Ukraine wish to abandon Ukraine and join Russia. They express their desire everyday. That is why they proclaimed Autonomous Republics in Crimea and Donetsk. And Russian government is obliged to protect Ethnical Russians in Ukraine.

it was actually Brezhnev who gave Crimea to the Ukraine in 1956!

It wasn't L. I. Brezhnev but N.S. Kruschev who gave Crimean peninsula to Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic.

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

Now Russia is dropping hints that they will no longer service the international space station. Sounds like "Gravity 2".

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

all stupid politicians on all sides--not just Russia but also Japan and USA etc. There are more important things in the world then to deal with 23 visa issues. Actually to deny a visa does not do anything for the Ukraine situation and is just hitting at the Russian EGO. Their ego gets hurt like everyone else's ego in the world. Wake up!

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I'm just reporting what I saw on the Japanese news.

I think, they are just making things up. Nothing will be changed in reality, including logistics, rotation of crewmembers etc. And Japanese person will continue to command the ISS, according to schedule.

Unfortunately they seem very welcome in Phuket :(

Also in Kho Samui and other wonderful places of Thai. Just take it easy! ;-)

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Sidekick The SDF has equipment to the American standard. The Russians are one or more generations behind. Maybe 1/2 of the Russian Navy can not leave port. A military conflict would be ill advised. Saying that I want peace with the Russian Federation and Peoples Republic of China. I do not believe the sanctions will work and they never have worked in the past. All it will do is cause needless conflict with the Russian Federation. I understand the reasoning behind the sanctions. I just do not think they will work and will be the stage of a new cold war. Lastly article #9 makes clear the use of force is prohibited in foreign policy. I see sanctions as the use of force.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

bass4funk: Not if and What I meant was that although Japan just started doing this, it can set an example and unlike Europe Japan is taking action, the U.S. is taking action, but not enough. The U.S. can and should do a whole lot more to put a strangle hold on Russia, so far, it's NOT enough.

Say what you meant the first time and you'll save others the trouble of having to prove you completely incorrect. Or better yet, just get your facts straight before posting.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

bass4funk Apr. 30, 2014 - 08:39AM JST Believe me buddy, I'm very well read, you and I have NO proof that Japan was instructed to put sanctions on Russia, if you do, please show us.

On Friday, Japan and the U.S. barely managed to release a joint ... to expand trade sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine crisis. "I understand that additional sanctions may not change Mr. Putin's calculus," Obama said during a joint news conference in Tokyo with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "How well they change his calculus in part depends on not only us applying sanctions but also the cooperation of other countries."

Source: abcnews.go.com/International/.../obama-russia-sanctions-teed-23449769

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Like it or not Japan is in a bind. Russia can now use this as an excuse to seize all of Japans investments. Honest Abe chose Obama and the USA. The problem is they can not replace the gas and oil from Russia. This makes a great excuse to raise energy prices and profits for energy companies. Japan as a nation is going to suffer and the atomic plants will have to be brought online or else our nation will become a 3rd word nation. My predication is Russia will cut Japan off and sell it to the Peoples Republic of China. Honest Abe and his cronies are weak and under the control of the USA.

-2 ( +6 / -8 )

We'll all have to call the problem with its real name: Putin ! The problem isn't Russia, the problem is that Putin is a nutter, and he needs to be put in a nut house for a while !

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Sidekick, I'm just reporting what I saw on the Japanese news today.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

By, say, landing of thinly disguised Russian Special Forces on Hokkaido

If Russia increase the price of wheat and gas

Come on, guys. Russian leaders aren't fools. They would never target ordinary people of Europe, America or Japan. So, in particular, prices on wheat and gas for Japanese customers will not be increased. But Russians will punish Japanese political leadership in response to Abe's current position. They can tell to the whole World that Abe's team lost the opportunity to return islands simply because Japanese PM had chosen the wrong way in foreign policy. After that Japanese people will ask unpleasant questions directly to Abe.

We can rely on each other.

True. Russia has strong economical ties with Europe and vice versa. That is why sanctions are both pointless, stupid and utterly ineffictive.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

The more Russia complains the more it means that Putin is feeling some pain. Besides, how is Russia going to harm Japan?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

@yuriOtani: I thought it is silly to sanction for way far away place of Russian action when JT reported Japan wanted to help so many money in whatever country. .

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Why did Japan ever got involved with this anyway.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

Russia sounds like a broken record.

You're not welcome here or anywhere else in the modern world - get it!?

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

"Russia vows to hit back at Japan for denying visas to 23 people"

Hit back how exactly? By, say, landing thinly disguised Russian Special Forces on Hokkaido and having them rile the locals to cast off the chains of their cruel Japanese masters? Yeah, keep barking, Russia. It's one thing to bully people who, up until recently, have been friends, neighbors, brothers and sisters reluctant to harm one another into joining your merry little band. But it's entirely another when the opponent is as well armed and willing to put those arms to use as you are.

What an absurd joke this entire Ukraine debacle has turned out to be. From the laughable photo-ops of him wrestling wild animals and posing topless while brandishing weapons, Putin is very clearly a sad, insecure excuse for a man, more concerned with perpetuating the myth of his own manliness than the wellbeing of Russians or Ukrainians.

The sanctions are biting Putin worse than he will ever let on, make no mistake. And it will get only worse -- a la the economic disaster that is the Iranian economy -- before it gets better. Hope this vanity project for him was worth it.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

@Stuart haywardAPR. 30, 2014 - 08:34AM JST If we were to deny Visas to every national, who comes from a country that commits poor actions, there would be no one allowed to visit. Cutting lines of communication (from problem countries) never works out! look how well that practice has worked with North Korea. Bit by bit, it appears that Japan having trouble with productive communication, with ALL it's neighbors.

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Japan and Russia never signed Peace Treaty with Russia after WW II. Japan never lost war againse Russia in history. Don't bew paranoia for other countries because this is only against Russia. Puttin wanted economic cooperation by Japan sometime ago and so Japan has strong position. Russia can threat Japan in any way. Japan is doing this for Japan. Only it has to do is not to help Russia;s industrial growth. It is helping China's industrialization now that Japan couldn't caress what russia do. In case russia seizes Kuril Islands near Hokkaido, Japan has good excuse to use SDF to crush on coming russian out-of-dated troops.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

If we were to deny Visas to every national, who comes from a country that commits poor actions, there would be no one allowed to visit. Cutting lines of communication (from problem countries) never works out! look how well that practice has worked with North Korea. Bit by bit, it appears that Japan having trouble with productive communication, with ALL it's neighbors.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

Fortunately, the West isn't determined enough to do such a thing. Even now, they are targeting individuals for their sanctions.

Respectfully, I disagree. When dealing with someone who brokers and wields power the way Putin does, starting sanctions the way the West has makes practical sense. It bears noting that the West isn't going after the Russian people. They are going after Russian leadership, or more specifically Putin, the man behind this entire farce.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Russia is just a big bully

Did Russia bomb and attack Serbia, Iraq, Afganistan ? Perhaps,you have simply confused Russia to real World Bully.

and people are just sick and tired of there intimidation tactics

I suppose that people of Japan absolutely don't care about Russo-Ukranian political clashes.

Ukraine belong to people of Ukraine and not to Russian residents on Ukraine.

They are not 'residents' but citizens of Ukraine of Russian nationality. And Soith-Western regions of Ukraine belong to them.

Now that's how you do it!Kudos to Japan.

What does make you so happy ? The feeling that current Japanese leadership behaves as puppets of the USA ? Well, but choosing this way they have no chances to get back 'Northern Territories'.

-5 ( +9 / -14 )

Now Russia is dropping hints that they will no longer service the international space station

The ISS is too important for all humankind. The only human outpost in space. Besides, Russians would never behave themselves like that South Korean captain who escaped his ship with uncontrolled fear and naked buttocks.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

Russia may be right in saying that Japan's action is not significant on it's own. But it let's them know that the free democratic nations of the world which support the rule of law are all around them.

-8 ( +11 / -19 )

Mate, have you read anything about the West,s sanction response up to this point? You honestly think this.is something that Japan initiated on its own without being instructed to do so? You need to read up a bit more.

Believe me buddy, I'm very well read, you and I have NO proof that Japan was instructed to put sanctions on Russia, if you do, please show us. I think it's a good thing, Japan and other countries should do more, a lot more and if that means, we have to bite the bullet, then so be it. It may take time, but keeping up the pressure, sooner or later WILL have negative repercussions on Russia, most definitely.

-8 ( +5 / -13 )

@sfjp330

I understand, I am just putting it on record that None of us know what the conversation was between Abe and Obama and if they collaborated on taking action together or if Abe and his cabinet came to this through their own analysis of the Ukraine debacle. We just cannot say unequivocally and factually one way or another, that's all I'm saying.

@sidekick

Russia is just a big bully

Well, they didn't ask the Ukraine, if it's ok to go into Crimea and to annex it.

Did Russia bomb and attack Serbia, Iraq, Afganistan ? Perhaps,you have simply confused Russia to real World Bully.

Russia threatened and how many times did it turn off the gas to its western neighbors, how many people froze? So what was Russia doing for years in Afghanistan, nation building? Were all the countries that had to live under the former Soviet Union happy? Sorry, there is NO confusion. and people are just sick and tired of there intimidation tactics

I suppose that people of Japan absolutely don't care about Russo-Ukranian political clashes.

In reality, NO one cares, not even the U.S.

Ukraine belong to people of Ukraine and not to Russian residents on Ukraine.

I agree, however Putin thinks a bit differently about the issue.

What does make you so happy ? The feeling that current Japanese leadership behaves as puppets of the USA ? Well, but choosing this way they have no chances to get back 'Northern Territories'.

No, not as puppets, but that someone is trying to take a stand against Putin.

If you're so well-read how is it that you think the US can learn from Japan on this one? The US imposed visa restrictions on Russians well over a month ago, March 6th or 7th, if I'm not mistaken.

Not if and What I meant was that although Japan just started doing this, it can set an example and unlike Europe Japan is taking action, the U.S. is taking action, but not enough. The U.S. can and should do a whole lot more to put a strangle hold on Russia, so far, it's NOT enough.

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

who is russia! we japan never scared of russian!

-10 ( +3 / -13 )

Little puppet Japan following Big Bro 'Bama's diktat. Doing so will probably hurt Japan more than Russia. Diplomacy requires discussion.

-13 ( +18 / -31 )

It comes down between kissing the "boot" of Putin or kissing the censored of Obama. I think the USA would be happy to see Japans economy head into the toilet. Putin is very clever when Japan is suffering and Honest Abe is kissing Obama censored, a change will happen in Japan. What the nature of the change is unknown but this will not end well.

-14 ( +2 / -16 )

Now that's how you do it! Kudos to Japan. Seriously hope Obama is watching this, he could seriously learn something on the first steps on dealing with an out of control Russia.

-34 ( +12 / -45 )

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