Ukraine demands response after pro-Russian propaganda event in Japan
Photo: The Japanese flag (Getty Images)
An event took place in Japan during which flags of the so-called DPR (Donetsk People's Republic) and LPR (Luhansk People's Republic) were displayed on the walls. Ukraine’s diplomatic service called for a proper political and legal assessment of the use of symbols of the pseudo-republics, according to the Embassy of Ukraine in Japan.
What happened in Japan’s Parliament
The event was attended by around 100 people, including former lawmakers, political figures, experts, members of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, representatives of the business community, media, and the general public.
The organizer was Japanese historian Takeyuki Tanaka, head of the Japan-Russia Friendship Association. He spoke about his visit to the occupied territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as about the "unconstitutional coup in Ukraine in February 2014."
A Russian envoy also spoke at the event, promoting a propaganda version of the war, referring to the "root causes of the conflict" and alleged "crimes of the Ukrainian authorities against civilians."
Ukraine’s reaction
The Embassy of Ukraine in Japan confirmed that an "attempt to spread disinformation and manipulative narratives about Ukraine" had indeed taken place in the Japanese Parliament building under the guise of an expert event.
Diplomats noted that they understand such initiatives are private in nature and do not reflect the official position of the Japanese government.
At the same time, the embassy expressed concern over the use of pseudo-republic symbols as part of Russian propaganda and called for a "proper political and legal assessment of such actions."
"Truth and international law must remain the foundation of public discussions, especially when it comes to the war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine," the embassy stressed.
Japan is one of Ukraine’s key partners in Asia and has consistently supported it since the start of the full-scale invasion. Tokyo has imposed sanctions on Russia, provided financial and humanitarian aid, and participated in international efforts to rebuild Ukraine.
In October 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited Japan’s new Prime Minister to visit Kyiv. Ukraine expects to deepen bilateral cooperation, including in the defense sector.
In addition, according to media reports, Japan will join the PURL initiative (Priority Ukraine Requirements List), which will help accelerate the delivery of critically needed weapons.
