Russia's unveiling of a 50-foot granite statue in Khabarovsk on September 4 has stirred diplomatic tensions with Japan. The monument depicts a Soviet soldier destroying a border marker that once divided Sakhalin Island between Japanese and Soviet control. This border was established after World War II, when the Soviet Union took control of the southern half of the island from Japan in 1945. The marker bore Japan's chrysanthemum emblem, a symbol associated with the Japanese imperial family, which has now become a point of contention. Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has called the statue "unacceptable," emphasizing that it is inappropriate to depict the destruction of the chrysanthemum crest. Japan's foreign minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, described the monument as "extremely regrettable" and stated that Japan would continue to demand its removal. Russia has rejected Japan's request, arguing that the monument is a legitimate tribute to the Soviet Union's 1945 victory over Japan and the end of World War II. Experts suggest that the monument reflects a broader shift in how Russia commemorates World War II, with a growing focus on the Soviet victory over Japan. This shift may be linked to Russia's closer ties with China and North Korea. Professor James Brown of Temple University Japan notes that Russia has moved its commemoration of the end of World War II and the victory over Japan to September 3, aligning it with China's official commemoration date. Tensions between Russia and Japan have intensified following Japan's imposition of sanctions on Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. This has raised concerns about whether Russia's assertive actions might push Japan to take a firmer stance on Ukraine. Meanwhile, Japan's relations with China have deteriorated under Takaichi, following her remarks suggesting that a Chinese military attack on Taiwan could be an "existential crisis" for Japan. Professor Akihiro Iwashita of Hokkaido University argues that Takaichi lacks a clear diplomatic strategy and that her comments on Taiwan were a diplomatic misstep. Japan's energy dependence on Russia remains a significant factor in its foreign policy. Tokyo is a major importer of liquefied natural gas, meeting 70 percent of its energy needs through imports. In 2025, Japan imported about nine percent of its LNG from Russia. Despite the worsening relations, the economic benefits of Russian hydrocarbons may still attract both sides, especially as Japan faces domestic challenges like inflation and a weakening currency.