Sister-city relations are different from relations between countries. If we cut ties, we will no longer be able to have a dialogue.

"If we cut ties, we will no longer be able to have our junkets."

And what dialoge is there right now about the war? is the sister-city relationship helping in any way to solve the situation? because if not then nothing of worth is being lost by cutting the ties, it would only be recognizing that the relationship is not there anymore.

No reason to cut ties. At some point in the future, the cities can begin exchanges again. Cutting ties now would be nothing but posturing.

An equally valid question is what is to be gained from cutting ties? Japan and Russia aren't at war.

Agree that cutting ties and burning bridges is never wise. These grass root relationships and exchanges can serve an important role in keeping the drums of war on the distant horizon. Maintaining communication at as many levels as possible just seems the way forward. There is never anything wrong with trying to make relationships better, and things can be achieved at the local level that often can’t be at the national one. Basic human good will for one.

Why would you maintain dialog with a country that refuses to return your land?

Well said. Relationships between human beings have nothing to do with international politics. Japan and Russia desperately need to boost these exchanges. They can only ever help, rather than hinder, international understanding.

Cutting ties like those is purely symbolic, no better than burning a flag. Neoliberals who whine about something as irrelevant as this just come across as really immature and juvenile.