Prime Minister Takaichi has formally asked Russia to remove a newly unveiled monument that depicts the destruction of Japan's imperial chrysanthemum crest, according to 読売新聞.
The monument, which was inaugurated in Russia to mark the country's victory over Japan, features a bronze figure firing a rifle at the crest. The prime minister described the installation as "completely unacceptable," citing its impact on national sentiment, the report said.
The request for removal was made directly in connection with the monument's imagery, which Japan views as a deliberate provocation. 読売新聞 reports that the prime minister framed the issue as one touching on the feelings of the Japanese people, rather than a purely diplomatic or historical dispute.
The chrysanthemum crest serves as the official emblem of the Japanese imperial family, and its depiction being destroyed in a public monument has drawn sharp criticism from Tokyo. The unveiling comes at a time when bilateral relations between Japan and Russia remain strained over a range of unresolved issues.
According to the coverage, the prime minister's statement was unequivocal, rejecting the monument's symbolism outright. The report does not specify whether Russia has responded to the request or indicated any willingness to alter or remove the structure.
The episode is likely to further complicate already difficult diplomatic exchanges between the two countries. Observers will be watching for any official reaction from Moscow, and whether the monument remains in place despite Japan's formal objection.
