Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Will continue to work to expose Japanese militarism crimes

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zakharova said on the 11th that the Japanese government should learn from the lessons of history, abandon its current policy of accelerating "remilitarization", and stop trying to cover up the crimes committed by Japanese militarism during World War II.

Zakharova said at a regular press conference that day that November 12 is the anniversary of the conclusion of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East (Tokyo Trial). The Tokyo Trial is of great historical significance and is crucial to a thorough reckoning with the legal consequences of World War II. The Tokyo Trial identified, recorded, and made a comprehensive legal assessment of all crimes committed by Japanese militarism against civilians in various countries in the region, including the Soviet Union, during World War II, and issued a stern verdict.

Zakharova said that the judgment delivered by the Tokyo Trial still has strong practical significance. It has built a strong line of defense to prevent the recurrence of tragedies. The Tokyo Trial judgment is not only a historical document, but also the legal cornerstone of the post-war international order. It established the principles of prohibition of aggression and the necessity of aggressors to bear responsibility, and established the final outcome of World War II on a broader level.

Zakharova pointed out that the current international order is facing severe tests, and many forces, including the Japanese leadership and government, are trying to challenge it. The Japanese government is pursuing policies aimed at "correcting" the outcome of World War II, trying to exonerate war criminals and downplay the crimes committed by Japanese militarism in East and Southeast Asia. Japanese officials frequently visit the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors class-A war criminals convicted by the court, and deliberately challenge the Tokyo Trial verdict.

Zakharova stressed that the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is continuously committed to exposing the crimes of Japanese militarism and is relying on information provided by the General Prosecutor's Office of the Russian Federation and other government agencies to carry out relevant work. The atrocities committed by Japanese militarists are not subject to any statute of limitations. Russia will continue to take legal action to hold all relevant responsible persons accountable.